Obituary: Edna Ordella Swan Henner

October 15, 1909 - April 15, 2011

Edna Ordella Swan Henner, 101 and precisely half to the day, lived in Carson City, at the time of death. She passed quietly and peacefully from this world on Friday the 15th of April while at home as she had requested, having been surrounded by family the week prior. Edna died of a heart/lung condition that had interrupted her social and traveling agenda for several years.

Although starting in the small town of Colegrove, Calif., barely noticed at it's inception she grew to travel the world and to touch many lives as has Hollywood, Calif. (which is Colegrove). Her childhood home stands as a historical monument much as her love of life, friends, travel and learning stood in her life.

Born in Los Angeles to John (Ira) and Olga Swan. Edna was an only child and received all the love her parents had to offer. Her love of learning began at a boarding school at the young age of six and ended only days before she died. She was constantly attending classes and surrounding herself in an educational atmosphere her whole life. Having graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Education in 1942 she continued to teach in her area of study, Special Secondary Art, for 26 years at her alma mater. Along with teaching she began a second profession of interior design in 1956 by decorating Westchester Lutheran Church. Interior design remained her focus throughout her life, stimulating interest in several related areas. She completed her final decorating job at the age of 96. She was actively involved in ASID, ISID, and also the restoration of historical homes.

Moving up to Carson City from Van Nuys, Calif., in 1982, she immediately involved herself in the community with Republican Women, Association for University Women, Boys & Girls Club, Textile Museum, bridge and a lapidary club making jewelry.

Edna is survived by her son Lorne Henner (Betty) of Granite Bay, Calif.; her daughter, Marcia Swingholm (Floyd James) of Carson City; grandchildren Douglas Henner (Debbie), of Winters, Calif., Christine Henner Allen (John), of Loomis, Calif., Tyler Henner (Rachel) of Columbia, Calif., Christine Wiltse Henner Duran of Sacramento, Calif., Tracy Wiltse Henner of Nissow, Minn., Gerriann Musil Guthrie (Jesse) of Payson, Utah, Heather Musil Merrill (Joseph) of Elkridge, Utah, Jamie Swingholm Lehmann (Michael) of Salt Lake City, and Angela Swingholm Bentley (Roger), of Parowan, Utah. She is also survived by 29 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Edna is predeceased by her loving husband, Erwin August Hugo Henner, Carson City, July 1987; her loving mother, Olga Vicktoria Ostman Swan, Sherman Oaks, Calif., December 1978; and her father, John (Ira) Royal Swan, San Francisco, Calif., March 1962.

Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the memory of

Edna S. Henner,

Shriners Hospital for Children at Northern California

2525 Stockton Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95817

We invite you to join us to honor and celebrate her life at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 411 N. Saliman Road, Carson City. Edna will be laid to rest with her loving husband and family at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, Calif., following cremation.