Patsy Rose (Fisher) Swindale

Patsy Rose Swindale passed peacefully in her sleep on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.  Born on January 10, 1938, Patti lived 87 years full of family, love, and friendship.

Born to parents, Bill and Ruby Fisher, she grew up in Illinois and Michigan with brothers, Bill and Donnie. She met her first husband, Edwin Nelson, in high school. They married in 1954 and had five children. From that moment on, she became the most enthusiastic cheerleader for anything her children did or wanted. Their happiness was her highest priority.

In 1977, she took a chance at a new career in a bakery in Rexburg, Idaho. With the encouragement of her son, Mike, the bakery manager, she became a successful, award-winning cake decorator. The position not only gave her a creative outlet, it also provided many life-long friendships along the way.

Patti met her current husband, Melvin Swindale, in 2011 via an online dating app. They met for coffee at McDonald's for their first date and the rest was history! Married in 2011, the couple enjoyed 13 years together. Patti had always wanted a partner who would have the same religious values as her, and with Mel, she had it. Every Sunday, they would attend church and then go out for breakfast. Sunday afternoons were always for family dinners. Armed with the ability to make the best roast dinners on the planet, Patti and Mel spent many Sundays visiting and enjoying time with their family.

Although some were states apart, Patti remained extremely close to all of her family. Armed with Life360, she was famous for the "Are you at the doctor's?" or "Are you shopping?" texts. Facebook was also a favorite place for her to keep in touch. Text messages and Polo videos were also staples.

One of Patti's endearing qualities was that she would believe just about anything her children told her. From Jeff's story about how Columbus got lost and sailed down a small river in central Michigan—while we were canoeing down the same river—to just about anything else. These are some of our favorite family memories.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruby Fisher; brother, William Fisher Jr; son, Jeff Nelson; and husband, Melvin Swindale.

She is survived by her brother, Donnie; daughters, Debra Packer (Jerry), Cindy Batchelder (Barrie), and Jodi Sandoval (Wayne); son, Mike Nelson (Jacquelyn); daughter-in-law, Lawanna Nelson; her step-children, James Swindale (Rene) and Julie Joseph (Mike). She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Her legacy will live on forever.

On behalf of Patti's family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the staff at Lincoln Court and Eden Health Hospice Care. Not only for your wonderful care of our mother, but also for your patience and understanding with us as well. Through all the questions, concerns and fears, you showed us amazing compassion. That meant more than you will ever know.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church, 2071 12th St., Idaho Falls, Idaho.