Patsy Ellen Schwanke

Patsy Ellen (Wells) Schwanke, 70, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 06, 2025, from the complications of Pancreatic Cancer. She was embraced by the love of her family at the time of her passing.

Born on December 16, 1954, in Nampa, Idaho, to Cecil Emery and Ruth Wells, Patsy was the youngest of 6 children, grew up with a strong work ethic, a warm heart, and a love for laughter that carried her through life. On September 23, 1972, she married the love of her life, Greg Schwanke, and together they built a home filled with love, humor, and shared adventures for more than five decades.

Patsy is survived by her devoted husband Greg; her daughters Michele (Rod) Noble of Nampa, Idaho, and Brooke (Aaron) Tyler of Casper, Wyoming; and her treasured grandchildren Joshua Noble, Nathan Noble, Mikaela Collins, Zach Futrell, Lyndsy Futrell, Chloe Futrell, 2 great grandchildren, Sisters Vesta Harvey and Marolyn Wells of Nampa. Each of whom brought a unique aspect to her life.

Patsy's passions were as vibrant as her smile. As longtime members of the sports car and classic car community in Boise they spent many memorable summers traveling to Hot August Nights in Reno, surrounded by friends, family, and shiny chrome. She and Greg were avid racing fans and enjoyed traveling to a different race every year.

Throughout her life, Patsy worked in a variety of jobs-from topping corn as a teenager with her close friend Johnnie (Anderson) Fannon to her positions at Ashley's Outlet Store and First Security/Wells Fargo, before retiring from Norco Medical in 2020. She brought energy, loyalty, and charisma to everything she did.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Patsy especially loved baking Christmas Spritz Cookies with her grandchildren, turning a family tradition into a cherished family experience filled with laughter, flour on the grandkids, and memories that will last forever.

An open reception with refreshments for family and friends will be held on October 11th, 2025 at 1pm, in the Garden Room at Cloverdale Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. Those who are wishing to attend are invited to bring your favorite photo of Patsy for the family display (a limited ability to print from phones will be available at the reception). If you have a classic car, please bring it, weather permitting, for a classic farewell.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the cancer charity of your choice in Patsy's memory. Patsy will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. Her laughter, her love, and her light will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Keep it in the fast lane, Patsy. We'll catch up with you down the road.