Bessie Lorraine (McKinsey) Swain was born on May 2, 1924, to Otto and Stella (Peasley) McKinsey at home in a stone house built by her maternal grandfather, William Peasley. She grew up there with her older sister, Mary, and younger brother, Vern, enjoying the beauty of the countryside. During her early school years, the three siblings rode their horse, Mable, to the one-room schoolhouses at Avoca and Bucks Grove. She later attended Soldier Rural High School, where she graduated in 1942.
While attending Soldier Rural High School, Bessie met her high school sweetheart, Floyd Swain. The couple married and, following World War II, made their home in Topeka, Kansas, where their first daughter, Marion, was born. They later purchased a small farm east of Soldier before eventually moving into town, where they welcomed their second daughter, Ruth.
Floyd preceded Bessie in death on March 5, 2002.
Bessie is survived by her daughters, Marion (Mike) of Irvine, California, and Ruth of Holton, Kansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chris (Adrienne) and Emily; Mike's daughter, Shelly; Jill, Keith, and Julie (Corey); and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Landon, Lia, Michael, Caity, Emily, Paxton, Zachary, Thane, and MacKenzie.
Throughout her working years, Bessie was employed by Pelletier's in Topeka, J.C. Penney in Holton, Kmart in Topeka, and Walmart in Holton.
Until celebrating her 100th birthday in 2024, Bessie lived independently in Holton. She later became a resident of Redbud Plaza Assisted Living in Onaga, where she lived for a year, before spending her final months at Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia.
Bessie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to cook and was especially known for her delicious apple pies, earning her the affectionate nickname, "Apple Pie Grandma." An accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidery, and teaching others to sew. Her beautifully embroidered tea towels became treasured keepsakes, and she lovingly made quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Life brought Bessie her share of hardships, but she faced them with quiet determination and remarkable resilience. Although she would become a bit incensed whenever someone called her a "tough old bird," those who knew her understood that her strength, perseverance, and unwavering spirit were among her most admirable qualities.
Bessie will be available for viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the funeral home. A private burial will follow at Bucks Grove Cemetery.
The family invites you to leave a special message or share memories online at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.
