Swanee L. Wilson, 85, of Sheridan passed away on January 1, 2019, in Billings, MT. Swanee was born on September 3, 1933 in Spokane, WA to Edward and Fern (Glover) Roberts. They were divorced in 1936. Swanee lived with her mother and Aunt Mabel Roberts in Fort Collins, CO. Her mother married Edward Kay in 1940. They moved frequently and Swanee attended nine different schools before her step-father moved to Sheridan with Peter Keiwit’s. She started at Taylor School in the 5th grade and graduated from SHS in 1951. Enrolled in St. Luke’s School of Nursing in the fall and graduated in 1954. She married Reinhald (Andy) C. Anderson, June 5, 1953. They had three children Reinhald (Randy) C. Anderson in 1956, Kim K. Anderson Rae in 1957 and Kevin Edward Anderson in 1960. Both Andy and Swanee returned to school at the University of Denver to complete their Bachelor’s Degrees. Andy was killed in an auto accident in 1968.
Swanee joined the obstetrical facility for the School of Nursing in 1967. Held the positions as Supervisor of the OB-GYN Department. 1968-1972; the Director of Nursing 1972-1974; Assistant Hospital Administrator 1974-1978. In 1968 she and seven other nurses representing OB-GYN, founded The Nurse’s Association of the American College of Obstetrical & Gynecological based in Chicago, IL and she was the first elected president in 1969. First nurse to be appointed to the Executive Board of the College. During these years, she and her children had the love and support of a live in nanny, Ursula Lopez. She married Robert W. Wilson, Jr. M.D on April 19, 1974, they moved to Albuquerque, N.M. In 1981 following faculty appointments at the University of New Mexico. They joined the faculty at the University of South Dakota in Sioux Falls, S.D. Where she pursued her Master’s Degree in Hospital Financial Management. Following his retirement they moved to Sheridan. She accepted the position of Director of Nursing at the Veteran’s Home of Wyoming in Buffalo, WY, a position she loved due to the outstanding staff and VA residents. Of all her performed goals, Swanee’s proudest when she was finally adopted by Ed Kay in 1986. He told the judge, “Just wanted to make sure she turned out OK.” He was her idol, her mentor and so responsible for her achievements.
Swanee was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Reinhald Anderson, second husband, Dr. Robert W. Wilson, and her son, Kevin Anderson. Edward Kay her step brother of Phoenix, AZ, She is survived by her children Reinhald (Randy) C. Anderson, of Billings, MT, Kim (Jack) Rae of Buffalo, WY, Cindy Morris her loving daughter (in-law), Kevin’s sons, Jordan and Quinn of Sheridan, WY, grandson Anders (Arinca) Rae of Bozman, MT.,Brooks and Kristie Rae of WY, her step children, Robert (Jane) Wilson, of Denver, CO, John (Sharon) Wilson of Greensboro, NC, Kirsten Wilson of Aspen, CO, Gram Wilson, of Hollywood, CA grandchildren, Jordan James Anderson and Quinn Cleveland Anderson both of Sheridan, WY, and three great grandchildren.
Swanee had moved to Billings, MT, with her two beloved Shiatsu’s, JJ and Coco in September 2014 with her son Randy.
At Swanee’s request there will be a graveside inurnment and she will put to rest in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery with first love Andy and her son Kevin Anderson.
Memorials to honor Swanee can be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY, 82801 or to the BPOE Elks Building Fund, 45 West Brundage, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made to www.kanefuneral.com.
