Sandi Swartzenberger

Sandra M. (Todd) Swartzenberger, 80, passed away peacefully March 11, 2024, while enjoying her favorite pastime, watching TV.

Sandi was born to Roy L. Smith and Opal L. (Walter) Smith August 4th, 1943 in Seattle. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, William Todd and John Swartzenberger, and her brothers, Ed and Dan Smith.

She is survived by her children, Billy (April) Todd, (Cammy Todd Corpron), Tina (John) Franklin and John (Roxanne) Swartzenberger, as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and her numerous nieces and nephews.

In her early years Sandi's family moved back home to Montana and lived on Ashley Creek. Sandi liked to reminisce about playing down by the creek with her siblings, Ed and Dan. When Sandi was in her teens, the family moved to Three Forks.

It was while living in Three Forks that she met her best friend and eventual sister-in-law Lavonna, when they each married a Todd brother. Lavonna married Jerry followed by Sandi, who married Bill. Bill was in the Air Force, stationed at Malstrom AFB when they started their family. Sadly, that life was cut short after an auto accident claimed Bill and 19 year-old Sandi had to move off-base with 1 year-old Billy and newborn Tina in tow.

The three eventually moved back to Kalispell and Sandi bought a piece of land for her family to live on. It happened to be across the highway from her future 2nd husband , John (Butch). The two met, were wed and Sandi gave birth to her 3rd child, John.

Sandi was especially proud of the fact that she joined Flathead County Search and Rescue when she became an empty-nester. She studied very hard to get her first responder badge and was involved with S&R for 10 years. She achieved honorary lifetime member status.

Through the years, Sandi enjoyed spending time at her cabin at Bitterroot Lake, hunting, fishing, bowling, pool league and softball. She had the time of her life playing third base on the Charlie’s Beer Depot team with her gal pals. Another of her favorite pastimes was playing pinochle with anybody willing to sit down with her.

Sandi loved daisies and dandelions, was extremely patriotic, and an avid photographer. She was also a voracious reader, and had an amazing sense of humor. Anyone who spent time with Sandi has an amusing story about her.

Sandi’s family would be honored for those who knew and loved her to share their memories at a celebration of her life on Saturday, March 23rd at 2pm at Darlington Funeral Home. There will also be a short graveside service at Fairview Cemetery followed by a reception at Moose Lodge in Evergreen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandi Swartzenberger, please visit our floral store.