Obituary of Elaine Swails

Phyllis Elaine Swails, 98, of Iowa City, IA, passed away on April 26, 2024. She was born on January 13, 1926, in Lake Mills, IA, to the late Theodore and Frances Rusley.

Phyllis, known to all as Elaine, dedicated the early years of her career as a bookkeeper at Swails Refrigeration. In subsequent years she was actively involved in various civic organizations, including the Girl Scouts of America, Iowa City Pilot Club, and the Iowa City Camel Wheels Shrine Club. Elaine was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan who enthusiastically followed  the football as well as men's and women's basketball teams.

Elaine was a proud alumna of Iowa City City High and the University of Iowa.

She will be deeply missed by her loving family, including her son Mark (Mindy) Swails, her daughter Fran (Jimmy) Bridges, daughter-in-law Sara (Steve) Swails, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Larry, and her son Stephen.

Elaine worshipped at the United Methodist Church, finding solace and community in her faith.

Funeral services will be held 2pm Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.  There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to The Lustgarten Foundation for research and a cure of pancreatic cancer. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.