Darlene Schweitzer
Darlene G. Schweitzer, age 97, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025. She was born to Irene and Ruel Meyers in Cambridge, Idaho. She was raised in Cambridge and enjoyed all the activities and friends that a small town offered. Her favorite activities were swimming in the Weiser River and riding bikes along the country roads. She attended high school in Mountain Home, Idaho while her father worked on the construction crew for the building of Anderson Ranch Dam and later the building of Mountain Home Air Force Base. She often talks about the hardships of living in a tent along the Boise River near Anderson Ranch Dam for about two years. She loved to tell the story about the school bus that had to stop at Toll Gate to cool down (even in the winter) every day on the one hour trip each way. She was often late to school.
Growing up in construction camps often separated the family and was difficult, but she and her sisters and parents stayed as a very close-knit family to the extent that for most of her adult years, Darlene lived within two miles of her parents and two sisters. Family was always paramount in Darlene’s life.
After high school, Darlene moved to Boise, Idaho and became a licensed beautician. She met and married her soulmate “Bill” Schweitzer on September 30, 1949 and they were married for 68 years until Bill’s passing in 2017. They lived in various locations around Boise until they built, by themselves, a home on the Boise bench in the 1950s. They lived in that house for over 60 years, made many friends, attended and were active in the Boise Friends Church. They enjoyed the suburban life for over six decades. During her married years, she worked as a licensed beautician, a long-distance telephone switchboard operator, in the Boise School district lunch program, and as a full-time mother and homemaker. She and Bill also operated and managed the concession facilities at Firebird Raceway for many years. She was extremely proud of how they were able to provide jobs for family, her children, and many of their friends. Later in life she and Bill spent many years as snow birds in Phoenix, Arizona enjoying all the benefits of a retirement well-earned. Whenever they returned to Boise, they were active with the Boise and Meridian senior citizens. At the Boise center, Darlene would set up the facility for Bingo night and Bill called the Bingo numbers. They loved playing Bingo at both centers where they made lifelong friends.
Darlene is survived by her two children Linda Babcock (David) and J. Schweitzer (Diane); six grandchildren Jenny (Charlie), Stephanie, David (Keelee), Kyle (Sara), Alex (Jenn), Spencer (Melissa); eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and several grand “puppies.” Darlene is preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents Irene and Ruel Myers; three sisters Louise Cunningham, Mildren Ashley, and Glendora Ball. At 97 years old, she is the final survivor of the World War II generation in both her maiden and married families.
Darlene was an avid animal lover and in particular loved dogs. She was always ready to pet, scratch, or “love-up” any wet-nosed, four-legged pooch. Whether invited or not, she was always quick to offer a treat from her purse or walker. She was particularly fond of her favorite grand pup “Dottie” who provided her with loads of licks and kisses and comforting visits during her final days.
Darlene was a Christian. She was a kind and loving daughter, sister, spouse, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, and friend. Her passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all that knew her. Even with our sorrow, we are assured and blessed to know that through Darlene’s faith in her savior, Jesus Christ, she is now pain and worry free in the presence of the Lord. This is a cause for our joy and celebration.
During Darlene’s final months she suffered from severe dementia with multiple struggles and challenges. This heightened our family’s awareness of the most difficult condition. We would offer to those who also have loved ones that suffer from this condition, our understanding, prayers, empathy, and love.
We would like to thank all of those dedicated servants who supported and cared for Darlene and the family during this time. Particularly, the staff and administration of Morning Star of Boise, Mary, Janie, and Tammy of C.A.R.E., the nurses chaplains, and social workers, support of St. Luke’s Hospice, and the staff, nurses, and administration of Touchmark-Owyhee Elm Memory Care. Their dedication, care, support, and empathy were unprecedented during Darlene’s final days.
Darlene will be interred with her husband at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise at a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date with a notification of details provided on Cloverdale Funeral Home’s website (www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com) and on social media platforms.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Idaho Humane Society or to any local Dementia/Alzheimer, Memory Support Organization, or other association of your choice.