Juliette Charlotte Priest, daughter of Luther Enoch and Frances Johanna (Bengston) Swanson, was born on September 6, 1919, in Page County, Iowa. She passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2007, at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at age 88.

She graduated from Shenandoah High School and attended Drake University for two years where she studied Art and Interior Decorating. On April 7, 1947, she was united in marriage to Lewis W. Priest at Hiawatha, Kansas. Following their marriage they resided in Shenandoah.

She was called Juliette by some, but more knew her as "Kelly". Two of her favorite expressions were "That's not my cup of tea" and "Bless their heart". Kelly adored her grandchildren. She would play ball, games, cards, color and sing songs with them. She loved to go to their ballgames, piano and dance recitals.

Kelly was proud of her Swedish heritage and Methodist background and spoke of them often. She was also an artist and could draw anything! She often made beautiful curtains and could mend anything with the tiniest of stitches. Kelly loved birthdays and always made homemade ice cream and angelfood cake to celebrate. She would bake wonderful cookies and the family still uses her meatloaf recipe today.

Before she had her family she worked in a dress shop and modeled. Later she had her own beauty shop and then after that worked as a receptionist in two other beauty shops. Kelly always had a smile and a helping hand for those who needed one. She was a very hard worker and was known as a perfectionist. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah and a former member of the American Legion Golf Course.

Some of the little things she enjoyed was to have popcorn or a big bowl of ice cream at the end of a long day. Her specialty was vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and Spanish peanuts. She called it "a happy thought". Music was so special to her. Often she would sing "White Christmas" and even when her memory was failing her she still could hum along with the music and utter some of the words. Other interests were flowers, golfing, music and art.

These are just some of the memories we have and they will always bring smiles to our faces when we think about this wonderful woman.

Preceding Kelly in death were her parents; four siblings, JoAnn Swanson, Merlin Swanson, Carroll Swanson and Robert (Bob) Swanson. Survivors include her three sons, Gary Priest of Rockford, IL, Dennis Priest of Des Moines, IA, and Patrick Priest of Shenandoah, IA; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Betty Briggs of Shenandoah, IA; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held from Hackett-Livingston Funeral in Shenandoah on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 1:30p.m. Words of comfort were given by Rev. James Gubser. Musical selections included "Wonderful World", "The Old Rugged Cross", "Moon River", and "White Christmas". Harry and Evelyn Pontious were in charge of the Memory Register. Casket Bearers were Gary Priest, Dennis Priest, Pat Priest, and Mike Briggs. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandaoh. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church or Garden View Care Center.