Obituary - Diane Marie Swan

Diane Marie Swan, “Spirit Sitting Thunder Bird Woman”, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 12, 2024, after a brief illness. She is now reunited with her husband, Bob.

Diane was born July 15, 1951, in Havre, MT, to Patricia Azure and Raymond Parker Sr. Diane spent most of her life in Rocky Boy but did like to travel to other places on occasion. She attended early school in Rocky Boy, and attended Flandreau Indian School for her later years. She obtained an associate degree in elementary education at Stone Child College.

Diane had one son, Gerold, before meeting her beloved husband, Bob. She then became the stepmother of Jim, Ann, and Jon. One of her favorite things was becoming a grandmother of nine. She loved playing with them, teaching them, and spoiling them. One of her grandsons, Nick, spent most of his life at their house and has spent the last 12 years living with and helping his grandma Diane after Bob left this earth. 

Diane was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to so many people. Everyone loved being around her and hearing her laugh and tell stories. She was an excellent cook and making soups and bannock were her speciality. She always had something or made something when she had visitors. 

Diane spent a lot of time with her sisters and brothers whenever she could. She was the second oldest of nine children, and people looked up to her for guidance and comfort. One of her favorite traditions was to go shopping, especially for Black Friday. She and her sisters would make a whole day (and sometimes weekend) of shopping. She also enjoyed spending time throwing a quarter or two into the slot machine, often coming home with more cash than she went with. 

Diane was an educator and dedicated her career to assisting others whether at Rocky Boy Schools or her role at RJS & Associates, Inc. She encouraged others to live out their dreams and believe in themselves. She has been the glue that kept RJS together during some difficult and exciting times. She has played a pivotal role in assisting with grant writing and professional services for not only Rocky Boy’s Reservation but many others across the state and country. She served as the Office Manager and as a Board Member. Her contributions to the success of the business will be greatly missed.

While Diane was only on this earth for a short 73 years, she made a lasting impression on so many family and friends. She gave of herself to so many people and was always putting people before herself, and never wanting anything in return. She will remain as a light to her family, friends, and community.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Parker Sr. and Patricia Azure; her husband, Bob; her sisters, Eleanor Parker and Liz Whitford; brothers Randall Parker and Wayne Parker; her brother-in-law Rick Sunchild; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She is survived by her son, Gerold Parker; her stepchildren, Jim (Stephanie) Swan, Ann (Nate) Gillham, and Jon (Robin) Swan; her brothers Jake (Fawn) Parker, Jim (Tammy) Houle, Ted (Nida) Parker, Jayde Parker, Raymond “Jazz” Parker, and Greg Azure; her sisters, Tracey Parker, Mona Sunchild, Shelley (Tony) Woods, Brenda Hollis, Jennifer Parker, Mary Jane Parker, and Brenda Azure; her grandchildren, Jordan, Jenna, Winter, Nick, Neiko, Elliot, Myka, Charles, and Nathan; numerous nephews and nieces, especially Laurie (Darin) Wynn, John (Shauntae) Sunchild and their children Rickson and Bear, and Allie (Cody) Mattfeldt and their children Calen and Caleb. She also leaves behind her co-workers Susan (Kenny) Hale and Rosemary Swan, who she has worked with for over 15 years. She also leaves behind close friends Laurie Sun Child and Shane Sangrey.

Diane’s wake started Friday, December 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Rosary was said at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and her funeral Mass began at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Burial will follow in the Box Elder Cemetery beside her beloved husband, Bob. A journey feast was held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church today, Monday, December 16, 2024.

To keep Diane’s memory alive, do something nice for someone else every day as Diane lived her life in this manner.