Grandpa's Obituary

Ralph Swensen passed from this earthly world on December 19, 2013 at his home in Nampa, Idaho with his family at his side as was his wish. He was born August 31, 1930 in St. Anthony Idaho to Arnold and Luetta Orme Swensen, the fifth of nine children.
He married Florence Gladys Ayers in the Manti LDS Temple on October 14, 1949. This union was blessed with four wonderful children: Robert Dean, Leslie Arnold, Linda Lou and Marion Dee. Gladys preceded him in death and in 1977 he married his sweetheart to the end, Jeanne Marie Bolld, who helped him welcome 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren into his family. His family brought great joy to him throughout his life. When asked what was one thing he loved the most about Jeanne, his reply was that she supported him in all of his church callings, that they had a bond and love like no other and showed him compassion until the end.
Ralph lived in Idaho all his life, residing in Ashton, St. Anthony, Kuna, Marsing and Nampa. He was raised on a sheep ranch, where he learned the value of work. He was a hard worker all of his life and spent 25 years working for the State Highway Department and 20 years as a Supervisor at Idaho Potato Processing. Dad liked to ride horses and went on many cattle drives in his younger years. He enjoyed traveling and went on many adventures. He spent tireless hours building and working on his beloved cabin "Rocky Top," in Placerville, Idaho.
There are many words to describe Ralph: loyal, honest, humble, humorous, sincere, patient, giving, lovable, a good listener, compassionate and a jokester and a friend to all, who never spoke ill of anyone.
Throughout his life Ralph held and fulfilled many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He could often be found working in the church orchard and cannery or at homes of the elderly mowing lawns, taking them to church or wherever his service was needed. His favorite church position however, was serving at the Boise LDS Temple. When asked why, his response was, " I was proud to be called to serve the Lord." And that he did every day of his life.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne Swensen, children Robert (Thalia) Swensen, Leslie (Kathy) Swensen, Linda (Tony) Young, Marian (Harvey) Kenworthy; his Brother Leonard (Ruby) Swensen, Sister's Arnetta Pincock, Gene Ertzberger, Sammy (Henry) Sharum, sister-in-laws June Swensen and Barbara King; 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys Swensen; his parents Arnold and Luetta Swensen; brothers: Von, Don, Andrew and Howard.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 27 at the Nampa 10th Ward LDS Chapel, 927 Ruth Lane in Nampa. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 26 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd in Nampa and at the church from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Hillcrest memorial Gardens, 15862 S. Indiana Ave in Caldwell. The family extends an invitation to all who would like to return to the church for a meal for family and friends provided by the Nampa 10th Ward Relief Society.
We wish to give our sincerest thanks to all the family and friends who provided food and comfort, as well as all the compassion and care that each Hospice employee gave to dad, especially Mo. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canyon County Animal Shelter, 5801 Graye Lane, Caldwell, ID 83607 or the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund, 15 E. South Temple, JSMB2E, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.