Debra "Adena" (Parsons) Swearingen died unexpectedly in her home in Rose Hill, Kansas on Saturday, January 13th at the age of 71.

Adena is survived by her husband, James; children, Jeromy and his wife Shelly of Rose Hill, Jacob and his wife Jamie of Shawnee, and Asher of Rose Hill; sister, Denise Reid of Shell Knob, MO; sister-in-law, Kandi Parsons of Augusta; six grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a Chihuahua mix named Pixie.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Parsons and his wife Mary of Wichita; her mother, Harriet Burnham and her husband Clay of Shell Knob, MO; and her brother, Kent Parsons of Augusta.

Adena was born on November 10, 1952 in Wichita and graduated from Augusta High School in 1970.

After high school, she worked in the Kansas State House in Topeka. She married James Swearingen in 1973 and together raised three children in their beloved Rose Hill farmhouse. Adena was a devoted mother and spent several years working at JCPenney in Wichita and Magic Focus in Augusta.

Friends and family gathered last summer to help Adena and James celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

She will always be remembered for her love of nature and sunsets, the flower bouquets she grew in her garden and the compassionate way she cared for her friends and family. Adena was a beautiful, spiritual soul who was vibrant and adventurous. Her legacy reminds us to look into the sky and be grateful.

Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, February 3rd at 10 a.m. at Dunsford Funeral Home of Augusta. A celebration of life will follow after the service at Sugar Shane's in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Salvation Army, your local animal shelter, or a charity of your choice.