07/21/2000
Memorial services for Barbara Cleo (Coffman) Sweem, 74, of Attica, who died Wednesday, June 21,
2000 at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, were held Thursday, June
29 at the New Hope Community Church in Pella. Russell Johnston officiated at the
services. Music was provided by Brooke Goranson. Interment was at Gullion Cemetery
near Attica.
Cleo Barbara was born on January 16, 1926, in Columbia, the daughter
of Jessie Maurine Kenney and Boyd Coffman. She attended schools in the area and
graduated from Knoxville High School in 1943.
She attended and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1947.
Throughout her life, Barbara continued to take classes at Drake University.
Barbara was united in marriage to Harvey Eugene Sweem in 1948. To this union, one son was born.
Barbara spent her life educating children.
She worked for over 40 years teaching in rural schools as well as the Meicher
and Knoxville schools. She retired from teaching in 1986.
Barbara was a member of the DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and Chapter M. PEO.
After her retirement, Barbara became active in the New Hope Community Church in Pella where she was an active
member of two Bible study groups.
Barbara’s most pleasurable moments were spent with her son and grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother.
Barbara is survived by her son, Gregg Sweem of Attica; three grandchildren,
Meg Sweem of Attica, Ben Hill of Iowa City, and Josh Hill of Lafayette, La.; two
brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law, Don and Carol Sweem of Des Moines, Robert
and Carolyn Sweem of California, Frances Harvey of Apache Junction, Ariz., Helen
Sweem of Council Bluffs and Donna Cox of Des Moines as well as other relatives and
friends.
Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Education Foundation – Scholarship
Fund. Arrangements were made by Williams Funeral Home. Journal-Express, Knoxville.