Nell (Joyce) Swigart age 92 of Rushville, Nebraska died peacefully surrounded by family on January 30, 2026 at Countryside Care Gordon, Nebraska. Born August 25, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ernest Smith and Frances (McIlravy) Smith.
She graduated from Galesburg High School and married Carl Swigart on November 4, 1950 in Rock Island, Illinois. They lived in Sacramento, California during Carl’s 3 year enlistment in the Army National Guard before returning to Galesburg.
Joyce was a member of the Galesburg Eastern star and Worthy Matron for many years. She was an In-Home Child Care giver, while her children were young and was a Nurses Aid for 6 years at Cottage Hospital in Galesbug.
After retirement Joyce spent 30 years living at Trophy Gardens in Alamo, Texas until Carl’s death, and in 2019 she moved to Rushville to reside with her son Dennis.
A world traveler and avid reader, she loved the staff and enjoyed the community of friends that she had at Countryside Care.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband of 66 years, sister Shirley Long and niece Cheryl Long of Springfield, Illinois, and great-grandson Zachary Tuma of Van Meter, Iowa.
She is survived by her 3 Sons, Scott (Darcy) of Missouri Valley Iowa, Dennis (Kris) of Rushville, and Rick (Donna) of Galesburg, Illinois. Her sister Marcia (Jim) Gaskill of Monmouth, Illinois, 6 Granddaughters, Stephanie Hawkins, Ashley Wedeking, Lisa Tuma, Stacey Barnes, Tara Webber, and Sara Swigart and 1 grandson Ryan Swigart, along with 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Niece Kim (Steve) Spence, nephew Richard Long, 1 great-niece, 1 great-nephew, and 1 great-great-niece.
A combined memorial and graveside service, for Joyce and Carl will be held in Knoxville, Illinois in May or June of 2026.