Susan Jean Swisher, 78

Susan Jean Swisher was born on March 29, 1943, in Walsenburg, Colorado, and was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on Aug. 5, 2021, after she unexpectedly passed away in a hospital near Eagle, Idaho.

Susan spent her childhood in Butte where she graduated from high school. She married her first husband and had three sons.

In the early 1970s, she moved to Southern California to study interior design. She had a successful career working for several design businesses. It was through her work and passion for design that she met her beloved husband, Norm.

With the support of her husband, Susan took her passion for design and mind for business, and started her own company in 1988, Susan Swisher Interiors Inc. Soon after, the couple decided to draft their own plans to build a house together in Bigfork along the banks of the Swan River. The Swishers meticulously reviewed every detail, ensuring it would be their perfect home.

Norm passed before the couple could move in together, but Susan called it home for 30 years, with her cocker spaniels by her side. It was in this house, nestled between the spruces and ponderosas that she spent countless hours laughing with her sons, granddaughters and great-grandsons, visiting with friends on the deck, waving at passing floaters, dancing to French music, and doing her daily crossword puzzle. Although she was retired, she filled her time exercising her passion for design any way that she could; painting bears, designing condos, redecorating her home, or marveling at the unique trees while walking the wild mile along the Swan.

Her last 10 years were spent with her partner George and were filled with love. The two rekindled their friendship after they met by chance in Bigfork. From then on, Susan split her time between Bigfork, and George’s home, Eagle. In 2020, Susan sold her home in Bigfork to design, build and decorate what would be her last project, a final custom home near George in Eagle.

Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Nina Dikerson Krier; father, Charles Krier; brother, Bill (Thelma) Krier; and husband Norm Swisher.

She is survived by her partner, George Rife; sister, Jeanie White; sons, Greg (Valerie) Smith, Mark Smith, and Jeff (Beth) Smith; granddaughters, Shalane Smith, Ashley (Brian) Abbott, Jessica Smith, Shyleigh Smith, Leanne Smith, Annabelle Smith, and Mary Jo Smith; great-grandsons, Aidan Fuentez, and Hudson Abbott; and nieces and nephews.

Susan’s ashes will be spread by family members on Oct. 2, with a celebration of life to be held for friends and family in the spring.