Verla J. Swift-Folgate, age 85, formerly of both Warren and Lena, passed away on April 16, 2022, at WinnPrairie Assisted Living and Memory Care in Freeport, Illinois.

She was born on July 18, 1936, in Green County, Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Bessie (Sweeney) Broege.  Verla was married to Bill Swift of Warren for 39 years until his passing and was then married to John Folgate of Lena for 15 years until his passing.  She worked for the Warren Gamble Store, Warren Greenhouse, and Micro Switch for numerous years before retiring from there.  Verla was a founding member and past president of the Warren Historical Society, past president of the Warren Women's Club, and past member of the Lena Women's Auxiliary.  She was also proud to be the first resident at WinnPrairie. She enjoyed crafts, was passionate about genealogy, and loved reading.

Verla is survived by her two sons- David (Jan) Swift of Freeport, IL and Jonathon (Kathi Husar) Swift of Warren, IL; grandchildren- Amy (Shane) Johnson of Lodi, WI, Brice (Danielle) Swift of Lena, IL, Wendy (Paul) Gray of Warren, IL, Jennifer (James) Williams of Colorado Springs, CO, Adam (Nicole) Swift of Benton, WI; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister Janet (Albert) Mittelsteadt of Warren, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Bill Swift and John Folgate, brothers Elwyn Broege (whose remains have never been recovered from the Korean War) and Dwight Broege.

The family would like to thank WinnPrairie and FHN Hospice for their exceptional care.

Private family service to be held.

Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.

A memorial will be established in her name.