Dana Swim

(From Parker Mortuary)

To know Dana Swim is to love her, a radiant soul whose laughter was as infectious as her generosity, has taken her final bow under the big, bright sun she so adored. Born on a crisp autumn day on October 15, 1962 in the charming town of Hannibal, MO, Dana's journey through life was as vibrant and colorful as her personality. On January 12, 2026, she peacefully concluded her chapter in Joplin, MO, leaving behind a legacy of joy, beauty, and an impressive avoidance of lawn mowing.

Dana's life was a masterclass in bringing joy to others, whether through her artistry as a licensed beautician or her knack for making any moment a memorable one. For over four decades, she wielded her scissors and combs like a magician, transforming the locks of countless grateful clients and never failing to brighten their day with a well-timed quip or a heartwarming smile.

Her family was the cornerstone of her world. Dana is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Zachary and Steven Swim, who inherited her sparkling eyes and boundless energy. Her brother Mark Halcomb and his wife Sheryl, of Des Moines, IA, will miss her deeply, as will her significant other, Steve Ethell, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond and countless sun-soaked adventures. Dana's stepdaughter, Courtney Mott, and her husband Ben, of Pleasantville, IA, will cherish the memories of her warmth and wit, while her special nephew Josh Holcomb of Norwalk, IA, will forever hold onto the lessons of kindness and laughter she imparted. Richard Swim, the father of her children, joins in mourning the loss of a remarkable woman whose spirit was as untameable as her hair on a humid Missouri day. Her memory and wit will also be remembered and shared by her many surviving aunt, uncle and various cousins and numerous nieces, nephew family and friends and her five loving grandchildren whom she adored.

Dana's interests were as eclectic as her sense of humor. A voracious reader, she could often be found with her nose in a book, soaking up the sun by a pool or a babbling creek—anywhere she could catch a ray, really. But let's be clear, while Dana loved the great outdoors, she drew the line at mowing the lawn. That was one battle she happily conceded to the forces of nature—or anyone else willing to take on the task, the spoiler of this story was that Steve would be mowing the lawn.

Her heart was as open as her door, always putting friends and family first, even if it meant her own problems had to wait in line. Dana's generosity knew no bounds; she was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back, the last slice of pizza from Gusano's, or a shoulder to cry on—whichever you needed most. And in a final act of selflessness, she chose to be an organ donor, ensuring that her legacy of helping others would continue even after her departure.

As we bid farewell to Dana Swim, let's not dwell on the silence of her absence but rather celebrate the echoes of her laughter that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who loved her. Dana, you were the sunshine on a cloudy day, the punchline to life's many jokes, and the best darn beautician who ever told someone, "Trust me, it'll grow out." Your spirit, like your haircuts, will truly be missed.