Connie Jo Swanson

On the evening of Sunday, January 10, 2021, Connie Jo Ferrerya (Swanson) passed away at Tennova hospital in Clarksville, Tennessee from a short, but valiant fight with COVID-19. Her husband, Mario, was with her when she left us.
Connie was born October 27, 1952, to Russ and Ruth Ann Ryker in South Bend, Indiana, where she was raised and lived several times throughout her life. 
Connie lived a happy life and will be remembered in many ways by many people. 

A beloved wife to Mario Ferrerya, whom she fell head over heels in love with and married in March 2020. And a loving and devoted wife to Gary Swanson, whom she was married to for 14 years before he passed in 2016. Connie was also an ex-wife to Vance Young, to who she was married for 26 years and had two sons with. 

A doting mother to Rusty and Andy of whom she was proud of every day. She was an easy-to-love and kind mother-in-law to Rusty and Andy's wives Amie and Anaise. 

An adoring grandma to her four grandchildren Aubrey and Victoria (Rusty and Amie) and James and Katie (Andy and Anaise) who she could never get enough of.

A proud older sister to Rick, with who she shared a birthday cake every year since their birthdays were only a day apart. A sister-in-law turned best friend to Linda.

A caring, thoughtful aunt to her niece and nephew Shannon (Brandon) and Ryan (Ciera) Ryker. 

A dear step-mother and step-grandma to several step-children and step-grandchildren from her previous marriage to Gary Swanson. 

A loving family member to many cousins and second cousins. 

And a great companion to her collection of friends she amassed over the years.

Connie graduated from Indiana State University in 1975 with a degree in Library Science, which was fitting since she spent much of her life holding a book. She used her degree throughout her life to teach elementary education, work as a counselor and substitute teacher at Walkerton Public Schools, and finally serve as the library director at Walkerton Public Library for more than 20 years. 
She was passionate about helping people. She enjoyed teaching patrons to read, recommending the latest and greatest books, helping students find their path and passion, or even arranging services so disabled citizens could be served by their community.
Outside of her career, Connie was a dedicated mom to two baseball-loving boys and attended every game her sons played in. But her dedication went beyond just showing up to games. She kept meticulous detail of not only her son's baseball stats but the entire team! An act that really exemplifies the type of person Connie was. Someone who was kind, level-headed, looking to solve problems, and always had everyone's best interests at heart.
When not spending time with family, Connie could be found sewing. She loved making anything and everything -- clothes for herself and her grandkids, curtains, blankets, and even potholders from leftover scraps. She was a great cook and being a midwesterner at heart, she made some amazing chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes. 
The last few months of her life were the happiest. She moved to Tennessee to be closer to family and was able to make memories with them before her sudden passing.
Connie will be dearly missed by all and forever in our hearts. 
A celebration of Connie's life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 concerns. The family will release details when group gatherings are safe. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. 

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