Debra Faye (Lawson) Swan, 65

Debra Faye Swan (Lawson) passed away at her home with dignity and grace on Nov. 2, 2019, at the age of 65 after a five-month battle with cancer.

Debra was born in Eugene, Oregon, on Nov. 7, 1953, to William and Bertha Lawson. The family eventually returned to Bertha’s hometown of Hope, Idaho, when Debra was still a child.

Debra undertook the raising of a variety of wildlife from skunks to a pair of bear cubs and everything in between. In high school, she worked at the local historical Dub’s Drive-in and graduated from Sandpoint Senior High in 1972. She eventually went on to earn an associate’s degree in business administration in addition to obtaining a license in cosmetology.

Debra was blessed with two daughters, Tammy and Sheila, who, in turn gave her the joy of numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

A certain man by the name of Rocky (Carl) Swan danced into her life and the love they shared was sealed with a wedding in Reno, Nevada, on July 4, 1983. Debra loved Rocky’s sons, Jason and Christian, as her own and the families melded into one.

Debra was a “Jane” of all trades, working as a bartender, server, bookkeeper, office manager and many other jobs throughout the years. She was co-owner of a local favorite watering hole, Bert’s Place, in Ponderay from 1990 to 1998. Throughout the years she held countless benefits to help those in need.

She loved to knit, quilt, crochet and create wonderful gifts for her family and friends. Nearly every Friday night for the past 25 years she could be found at the bingo hall in Worley, making friends and spreading joy. Most of all, Debra loved to laugh. In fact, her smile was as contagious as her laughter was infectious! She really was the best kind of “bug” to catch, because you always felt better after being in her presence.

So many knew her as “Grandma” and she had a way of making each of them feel special. Of all the many accomplishments in her life, her family was the thing she was most proud. Through every trial imaginable, Debra’s love for her husband, children and grandchildren was a fierce, unwavering force. Her door was as open as her heart and that spirit of love will continue forever in those whose lives she touched.

Debra is survived by her husband, Rocky (Carl) Swan; her children Tammy Davis and Mike Poulin, Sheila and Devon Stierle, Jason and Emily Swan, Christian and Jhoanna Swan; her grandchildren Parker Davis and Alexandria Breckenridge, Rock Earnest and Marissa Ramsay, Kiera Earnest, Jean Paul and Simone Poulin, Savannah and Jack Stierle, Daisy Nave, Hannah Johnson, Brooke, Hayden, Taryn, Joshua and Harper Swan; and her great-grandchildren Isabella, Jason, Tyson, Elizabeth, Ava, Axel and Aiden.

Please join us for a celebration of life memorial on December 7, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Sandpoint Eagles 589, 1511 John Hudon Lane, Sandpoint, Idaho.

Please contact Tammy Davis at 208-627-6784 with any questions.