Services for Janet L. Swearingen, 74, who passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in Des Moines, will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 8 at Overton Funeral Home with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Janet Louise, daughter of Leonard and Dorrine (Rogers) Westerly, was born on April 21, 1943, in Osceola, Iowa.  She grew up on the family farm south of Indianola, Iowa and graduated from New Virginia High School in 1962.

On February 15, 1964, Janet was untied in marriage with Cletus Daniel Swearingen in New Virginia, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union.  They made their home in Indianola where they started their family.  Janet enjoyed taking family vacations and often spoke about when she & Cletus took the boys to Nashville, TN to tour the Smokie Mountains and all of their other adventures.  Janet worked a variety of jobs including: custodian at Indianola High School, bus driver for Hirta Transit Company, and Herschel Manufacturing.  She retired in 2011 and enjoyed spending time outdoors with her flowers, taking walks & watching Nascar with her husband, and putting together her puzzles.  As health issues arose, it became difficult for Janet & Cletus to travel, so Janet enjoyed Facebook and seeing all her grandchildren and their latest activities.  She loved her family very much and every Sunday would call her sons to catch up on the week and spend time chatting about the grandkids, weather and whatever was going for upcoming week.  She was always concerned how everyone was doing.

Janet was a kind & gentle soul who welcomed everyone.  She never had a bad word to say about anyone.  She always made sure those around her had what they needed and often times went without herself to ensure it.  Janet knew her way around the kitchen, and her family always raved about her famous ham balls & cheesy potatoes. Her family has tried to replicate her recipes, but no one had the special touch like her!  Janet had a strong faith and loved her church.  She started every morning the same, she would wake up at 4am and spend an hour reading her Bible.  She always said it was the most important part of her day and started her day with peace.  There was an undeniable joy about her that came from the Lord.

Janet is survived by her husband, Cletus Swearingen, two sons: Daniel and wife Christina Swearingen of Des Moines, IA and David and wife Beth Swearingen of Manilla, IA; 4 grandchildern: Taylor Swearingen, Samantha Swearingen, Brody Swearingen & Brandon Swearingen; brother Larry Westerly of Grimes, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to services from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to the Indianola Community Church.  For a complete obituary or to submit an online condolence visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.