Fonna Delynn Schwien, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell after battling brain cancer for several months.

She was born November 6, 1957, in Plainville, Kansas. She was one of five children born to Milan and Diane (Mohler) Masters.

She grew up in Natoma and graduated from Natoma High School in 1975. Fonna graduated from Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, with an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technician.

Fonna met Stan Schwien while working at the Veterinary Clinic when he came in to purchase cattle supplies. They married on April 14, 1979, in Natoma. This union was blessed with two sons, Sheldon and Scott. They made their home in Russell. Stan preceded her in death on March 12, 2020.

After graduating from college, Fonna worked at a veterinary clinic in Hutchinson, Kansas, but later decided she wanted to be closer to home, so she returned to Russell and began working with Fred Irwin and Doc Stafford at the Veterinary Clinic there. She worked with them for many years before they both retired. She then changed careers and started helping with the family business, Master’s Oil Company, in Natoma. She continued to live in Russell most of these years, helped her husband Stan on the family farm when able, and managed/ maintained many rentals. She loved, or maybe should say was a very awesome fixer/repair handywoman. Not sure she always loved it. After Stan’s passing and her Father's passing, she moved to Natoma to be closer to that business and lived with her Mother to help out. She continued to make trips to Russell as needed to keep things in order. She was a member of Trinity Methodist Church in 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 includes her son, Scott Schwien of Salina; mother, Diane Masters of Natoma; sister, Coleen Dickinson of Gorham; brothers, Brian Masters (Luella) of Burlington, and Delwin Masters (Corinne) of Natoma; and three grandchildren, Seth Schwien, Ava Schwien, and Sage Schwien.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; son, Sheldon Schwien; father, Milan Masters; brother, Eugene Masters; and brother-in-law, Kirk Dickinson.

A celebration of Fonna’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on 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, which is handling these arrangements.