Arlene June Buhler Swenson

Arlene June Swenson passed away from pneumonia while battling cancer on August 29, 2020, surrounded by her family. Arlene was born April 4, 1940, to June Price Buhler and Weldon Buhler in Montpelier, Idaho. Her family moved to Darby, Montana in 1944, where her parents ranched. She attended school in Darby, and graduated from Victor High School in 1958. After graduation, she went to work at Saint Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Montana. She moved to Great Falls, Montana, to work for Blue Cross where she met her husband, Arvin. They were married at First English Lutheran Church on July 1, 1961. Arlene was active in First English Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Early Risers, and Christian Women’s Club. Her greatest gift was hospitality. She organized many funeral lunches at First English. She served as Social Director for Sons of Norway, planning and coordinating many socials and other events. Arlene was also well known for her rosettes and lefse. Arlene and her husband traveled extensively, often with friends and family after they retired. Her favorite trip was their trip to Australia and New Zealand. They also loved taking their annual trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. She and her daughter Marcia operated Downtown Dance Enterprises from 1986 to 1996. She loved interacting with the students and their families, sharing the joy of dance. Anyone who has danced with Miss Marcia or Miss Linda has been costumed in one of Arlene’s circle skirts for the holiday programs. Arlene is survived by her loving husband, Arvin; daughters, Marcia (Russell Bates) and Michelle (David) Welch of Tekoa, Washington; granddaughter, Jaclyn; mother, June Buhler; brothers, Rulon (Patricia) and Russel (Sandy) all of Lima, Montana; sisters, Sherry (Russell) Wildey of Darby, Montana and Billie (David) Pemble of Colstrip, Montana; sister-in-law, Romayne Swenson; and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Weldon Buhler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to First English Lutheran Church, Great Falls, Montana or the Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation.