Alverda “Alvie” I. Arnold-Swanson, 89, rural Columbia City, died at 1:34 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Thursday.

She was born Feb. 5, 1927 in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, a daughter of the late Edward L. and Margie (Roth) Vogely. Her formative years were spent in Jefferson Township where she graduated from Jefferson Center High School in 1945.

On July 26, 1945, she married the love of her life, Meredith B. Arnold. They made their home in Jefferson Township. Meredith died in 1981. In November of 1986, she married Robert K. Swanson. He died in 1988.

After spending a few years in Dunnedin, Fla., she moved back to Columbia City in 2004. For the past four years she lived with her son in Jefferson Township.

She retired from United Technologies (Essex Group) in 1989 after 17 years of service in the human resource department. Prior, she had worked for Fahl & Keister Insurance Agency, sold linens to newlyweds and brides to be, and assembled radios for Magnavox, Fort Wayne.

She was a member of the Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church, Business and Professional Women, American Legion Post 98, Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary and the Jefferson Center Lunch Bunch.

She is survived by two sons: Randall G. (Cathy) Arnold and Eddie L. (Lynda) Arnold, both of Columbia City; two step-daughters: Diane (Ray) Ranier, Columbia City; and Debbie (Bill) Bremer, New Haven; eight grandchildren: Carolyn (Don) Wallen, Sidney; Tim (Amy) Arnold, Oklahoma; Dustin Arnold, Fort Wayne; Candy (Tim) Raymor, Brian Arnold, Bradley Arnold, Brittany Arnold and Kelli Arnold, all of Columbia City; 17 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; five step grandchildren; 17 step great grandchildren, four step great-great grandchildren; a foster granddaughter, Dakota and a sister, Ivahmae Crouch.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, Larry G. Arnold, a brother, Eugene Vogely, a granddaughter, Rebecca Arnold and a great-great granddaughter, Payton Garlick.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne or Riley Children’s Hospital or Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church.