Fonna D. Schwien

Fonna D. Schwien, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Fonna was born November 6, 1957 in Plainville, Kansas. She was one of four children born to Milan and Diane (Mohler) Masters. She grew up in Natoma, Kansas. She graduated from Natoma High School in 1975, and went on to graduate from Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, with an Associates in Vetennary Techencian.

Fonna met Stan, where she worked at the Veterinary Clinic, when he was coming in purchasing supplies. They were united in marriage on April 14, 1979 in Natoma. This union was blessed with two sons, Sheldon and Scott. They made their home in Natoma. Stan preceded her in death on March 12, 2020.

Fonna started working with Fred Irwin and Doc Stafford at the Veterinary Clinic shortly after graduation. She worked with them several years before they both retired. She then started helping with the family business, Master’s Oil Company. She is a member of the Trinity Methodist Church of Russell. She actively served on the Russell County Fair Board for many years. She enjoyed sewing when she could find the time, but she truly loved spending time with her grandchildren and taking family vacations.

Fonna’s surviving family include her son, Scott Wchwien of Salina, Kansas; mother, Diane Masters of Natoma, Kansas; sister, Coleen Dickinson of Gorham, Kansas; brothers, Brian Masters (Luella) of Burlington, Kansas, and Delwin Masters (Corinne) Natoma, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Seth Schwien, Ava Schwien and Sage Schwien.

Fonna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley; and son, Sheldon Schwien.

Celebration of Fonna’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 16, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. A private burial of ashes will follow later. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.