Mildred M. Swisher December 4, 1922 - January 11, 2013

Mildred M. Swisher, 90, died Friday, January 11, at an assisted living home in Bend. Millie was a 72-year resident of Klamath Falls, relocating in June to the Central Oregon area to be near her son, Steven, and daughter-in-law, Novella.

Mildred Mae Doyle was born in Roseburg on December 4, 1922. She grew up in Grants Pass and married her husband, Frank Keith Swisher, on February 9, 1940. They settled in Klamath Falls where she lived until her recent move. Keith preceded her in death in 1990.

Millie was proud to call herself a farmer's wife and pursued life-long love of nature as an avid gardener and camper. Over the course of her life she was active in OSU Extension Service, serving as a regional director, and she was an active member of the Green Springs Garden Club. She enjoyed sewing for family, friends, and charities; crocheting and crafts; canning and baking. Her recipes were featured in the Farm Journal Cookbook during the early 1960s.

Millie also served as a board member for her Wesleyan church, chaplain for the Elkettes, and as a board member and secretary of the Women's Lounge. She was actively involved for many years in the South Suburban Fire Department Auxiliary, Sweet Adelines, and was a poll worker for many years, recognizing every voter in her precinct. Millie and Keith were both avid public school supporters throughout their lives.

Millie is survived by her two sons: Philip Swisher of Klamath Falls, and Steven Swisher (Novella) of Sisters. Her descendants from Philip include grandsons Mark Swisher (Helen) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Brian Swisher (deceased); three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as step-grandchildren and great and great-great-grandchildren.

Her descendants from Steven include grandchildren Shawn Swisher (Tanya) of Bend, and Nicole Swisher Woodson (Adrian) of Hutto, Texas; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings June Smith of Port Orford; Evelyn Elbon of Portland; and Don Anderson of Eagle Point; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Keith, Millie was also preceded in death by her father Earle Terrance Doyle; mother Evelyn Viola Anderson; and siblings Nellie Kyle, Harold Metcalf, Laura Longest, Margery Griffith, Earle Doyle, and Jim Anderson. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, David Brian Swisher.

Millie was laid to rest next to Keith at Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens in Klamath Falls. A celebration of her life is being planned for a later date.