Submit a PhotoMerline Joan Swindler, 89, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.
Merline was born on February 7, 1936, in Bridgeport, Nebraska, to Merlin and Ilene Thompson. A loving older sister to her brother Larry (affectionately known to her as “Butch”), she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Joseph Barden, until her early teens. At the age of 14, Merline moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, to live with her aunt Betty Simmons and help care for her children. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dean Swindler. They married on April 6, 1955, and shared 68 beautiful years together until Dean’s passing.
Together, Merline and Dean built a loving home and adopted two children—Michael Dean in 1967 and Tina Jo in 1970. Merline was devoted to her family and embraced her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with boundless love and care.
Merline was an avid reader and a talented cook who always enjoyed trying new recipes. She had a passion for knitting, crocheting, and sewing, and she absolutely loved to play pinochle. She was on a bowling team for years and bowled every Wednesday night. Her warmth, humor, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dean, her parents (Merlin and Ilene), step-parents (Joe and Peggy), an infant son, Paul, her niece Kristin, and numerous aunts and uncles.
Merline is survived by her brother Larry (Rose Ann) of Newton, Kansas; her daughter Tina Edenfield (Bret) of Gilbert, Arizona; her son Mike Swindler (Deb) of Denton, Texas; and her sister-in-law JoAnn Austin of Spokane, Washington. She also leaves behind her seven cherished grandchildren: Shamber Swindler (Drew Myers), Jacob Swindler, Meghan Myers (Michael), Emily Barrowdale (Shawn), Cameron Edenfield, Lexi Swindler, and Rachel LaCroix. Her legacy continues in her great-grandsons, Logan and Mars Myers, and a great-granddaughter, Maeve, soon to arrive.
She is also lovingly remembered by her nephew Doug Misner (Beth), and nieces Tonya Carty (Sean), Angela Altum (Tom), and Brenda Keener, as well as many dear friends and extended family members.
Merline will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
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So sorry for your loss.
Loved Marlene she will never be forgotten! Quite the Lady!
Dean and Merlene owned the How De Do Drive Inn on Newcastle. They were my bosses when I worked for them as a youg car hop. They were great bosses and taught me a lot. My sympathy to their family.