Mary Ellen Swanson, 76, of Rapid City passed away Sunday, April 7th peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer.
Born February 24, 1948, to Oliver “Liddy” and Lillian (Nonnast) Ainsworth, Mary and her four sisters were raised by their mother in Belle Fourche. Mary Ellen married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Rick Swanson, on June 5, 1966, just days after graduation. The couple had two children, Larry and Nicole.
While the children were young, Mary chose to be a stay-at-home mom. When they became teenagers, she began a 25-year career working for Pennington County. A devoted mother, Mary was actively involved in her children’s activities such as boy/girl scouts, baseball/softball, and homework help. Later on, and into retirement, she simply loved spending time with friends, family and loved ones in her backyard garden patio. Mary was well liked by many and was rarely without visitors.
Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard Swanson; her son, Larry (Heather) Swanson; daughter, Nicole Penticoff (Robert Reister); granddaughter, Lauryn Swanson; grandsons, Jake Swanson and Kaden Penticoff all of Rapid City. She is also survived by two sisters, Judy (Vince) Guinn of Roosevelt, UT, Linda Feist, Missoula, MT; and many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Janice (William) Rohlf of Belle Fourche; Thelma (Daniel) McNeill of Phoenix, AX; and one infant grandson, Adam James Swanson.
The family is holding a Celebration of Life starting at 1 pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the American Legion in Rapid City.
Friends may sign her online guestbook at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
