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Information:
Located 16 miles south of Nampa, Idaho, on the Snake River, the museum is owned by Cleo Swayne and invites visitors to spend time in meditation and prayer on its nature trails and in a small chapel.
Cleo Ruth Swayne - June 20, 1913 - March 31, 2008, passed away at the home of her daughter and son-in-law with her children at her side. A funeral service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Nampa Church of the Brethren, 11030 Orchard Ave. in Nampa. A private burial will follow at Cleo's Ferry Museum at Walter's Ferry on the Snake River near Melba. The family will greet loved ones and friends at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. So. - Nampa - 466-3545 on Friday evening from 7 - 8 p.m.
Cleo was born and raised in Lincolnville, Ind. Her family of six children, four of whom were redheads, have all preceded her in death. Cleo attended the Missouri State Teachers College in 1934 where she met and married Osteopathic Physician, Dr. Clarence L. Heuck. They moved to Nampa and set up a medical practice in the house where Cleo lived until her death.
After Clarence died a premature death in 1942 Cleo married family physician, Dr. Samuel A. Swayne. They lived an idyllic life together for 30 years and he passed away in 1976.. Cleo led a busy life and one of her many accomplishments was to set up a medical auxiliary with the urging and help of Sister Catherine of the Nampa Mercy Hospital. Cleo served as chairman of the local Silver Sage Girl Scouts and also a Den Mother for her son's Cub Scouts. As a member of the adult council for Bethel #4 International Order of Jobs Daughters she spearheaded many successful money making projects for its members.
Dr. Sam and Cleo enjoyed many years of square dancing with the Boots and Bows group with their daughter and son-in-law, Doug and Julie Hyslop. The most enjoyable activity of her life was the development of Cleo's Ferry Museum at Walter's Ferry on the Snake River near Melba. For 35 years she gave guided tours to hundreds of fourth graders through the Museum buildings and what was to later become her "Nature Trail". The Nature Trail is still open to the public, free of charge, to all who wish to come and enjoy what she has developed.
The "God is Love Chapel" on the museum grounds, has been the site of over 150 weddings, two of which were he granddaughters. Many religious objects are among the displays along the "Nature Trail".
Cleo has been a member and great supporter of the Nampa Church of the Brethren since 1938. Their Easter Sunrise service has been held in the "Lords Garden" at the Swayne Museum grounds for over 16 years. Cleo is survived by her children; W. Dan Heuck (Lavonne), Betty (Ted) Keith, Bruce R. Swayne (Andrea); 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was greatly loved and will be missed by her family and all who had the privilege to know her. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Intermountain, 356 Virginia St., Salt Lake City, UT 84103-4209 or to your favorite charity.
From the "guest book"
I am very blessed to have been named after Cleo Swayne: as such she was always referred to as Cleo and I Cleo Ann. I recall many fond memories of times with Pappy (Dr. Swayne) Cleo and Bruce. One in particular was butchering chickens with Mother and Cleo at our home in Caldwell. I never cared for chickens in their live state, so when it came time to butcher them I was always delighted to "help." It was thru this annual process that I learned a lot of anatomy and the inner workings of birds. Cleo also had quite an aviary of exotic birds at Walters Ferry. We also enjoyed many family picnics, walks along the river, riding horses, or just romping around the property. We always had to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.
Cleo was such a unique and wonderful person; she always pleased to see the Schild clan come visit and had a warm greeting for each of us. I always enjoyed listening to her version of trips she and Pappy took to collect antiques (especially clocks), or her world travels. She made the mundane seem so exciting.
When I turned 16 I was privileged to a special shopping trip in Boise for a few new dresses. I also came home with and a woven white purse with velvet ribbons attached. It was the envy of my sisters.
If I had one word to describe Cleo Swayne it would be indomitable, for she never seemed to let life's trials and difficulties get her down, or get in her way of accomplishing what needed to be done. She was loved and appreciated by so many people in her 94 years of life, needless to say she will be greatly missed.
Cleo Ann (Schild) Gisler (Vacaville, CA)
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 4/3/2008
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