WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Willodean (Swindle) McKenzie, 92, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and formerly of White Pigeon, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, at Saint Anne Home and Retirement Community following an extended illness.
She was born Sept. 16, 1919, in Marmaduke Ark., a daughter of Cornelius A. and Tulah Mae (Thomas) Swindle.
She resided for a short time in Fort Wayne, Ind., LaGrange, and Sturgis, and spent most of her life in White Pigeon. She moved to White Pigeon from Rector, Ark., in 1956.
On April 20, 1941, she married Jim McKenzie, in Leachville, Ark. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1997.
She was a school teacher for six years in Arkansas and 30 years in White Pigeon Schools, retiring in 1986. She was then a substitute teacher for nine years.
She was a member of the White Pigeon United Methodist Church, Sturgis Women’s Club, White Pigeon Bridge Club, Michigan Education Association, National Education Association, a former member of the American Association of University Women and a graduate of Arkansas State University where she earned her BSE and MSE in education. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and did her post graduate work at Western Michigan University and Indiana University in South Bend, Ind. She enjoyed teaching, playing bridge, golf, cooking and most of all her family and life in general.
Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Linda McKenzie of Sturgis; grandson, Dr. Nicholas E. Sward of Portage; granddaughter, Stephanie J. McKenzie (Price) and Michael Price(Michael) -Price of Fort Wayne; six great-grandchildren; one niece and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Patricia J. Sward; son, James S. McKenzie; grandson, Todd M. McKenzie; and two brothers.
Visitation is from 1-3 p.m. Monday at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon where services are at 3 p.m. Monday with Rev. Scott Manning, of the White Pigeon United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in White Pigeon Township Cemetery.
Donations may be directed to the White Pigeon United Methodist Church or the White Pigeon Depot restoration fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
