Patsy was born June 11, 1946 at Marshall County Hospital in Britton, SD to Madeline (Olson) Boone and Harold Jacob Boone of rural Britton, SD. She grew up just outside of Britton where the family farm was a gathering place for cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends. She had especially fond memories of enjoying time with her cousins who she remained close to. She attended Britton Public School, creating friendships that lasted a lifetime, especially with her best friend and partner-in-crime for nearly her whole life, Marlene Hickey.

At the age of 14, she caught the eye of Everett Junior Swenson of Langford, SD. They dated for a short time before Everett left for the Marines. For almost four years, they dated long distance. During that time, Patty graduated high school in 1964 and attended Stewart’s School of Hair Design and took her first job as a hairdresser in Mobridge, SD where she took many train rides back home to visit. She returned to Britton to work as a hairdresser. Even with time and distance between them, they knew they were meant for each other, so in the summer of 1965, just before being deployed to Viet Nam, they were engaged. Through the strength of prayer, Everett made it home one year later and they were married on August 6, 1966 at First Lutheran Church of Britton. After one month as newlyweds, Everett was recommissioned and had to leave for another month. After they had their first child Jolie, Patty bought the beauty shop, naming it “Pat’s Hair Fashions,” where she employed many new hairstylist that continued with their own shops in Britton. She loved her clients and they loved her. In a couple of years, they had their second daughter, Alahna, and a year later chose to add a bonus daughter, Carrie Mae, to their family.

Patty was always a hard worker. In addition to her work as a beautician, she worked at the Dime Store, did home interior painting and wood work, managed the Britton Country Club, worked at Horton Industries for many years, worked at Sheldahl, Inc., was a substitute teacher, and loved her work at both Spruce Court Assisted living and her final job at Children’s Inn where she was Grandma to all the littles. Throughout all of her jobs, the people she worked with and for became friends, and even like family, especially Ruth Almos, another best friend and partnerin- crime. Patty spent so much time working and caring for family, that she didn’t take a lot of time for herself. She often cut hair from home on weekends and enjoyed having friends over for coffee on Saturday mornings. Patty was a Sunday School teacher for her daughters and the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Patty was an avid bowler with many pins and trophies to show for her time and talent. She enjoyed being a part of the Marshall County Gun Club with Everett, where they were on a pistol league. Patty was an active member of the PTA, serving as Treasurer for many years, as well as Co-President. Patty enjoyed trips with Everett and her girls to the Black Hills and Louisiana, and to Hawaii and on a Caribbean cruise just for she and Everett.After retirement, Patty began traveling with Marlene, Sandy Dinger, and Norma Schumaker, sharing so many laughs and adventures; the memories were priceless She always said, “Whenever you get a chance to travel, take it.” Her greatest interest, however, was her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and she wore the title of Grandma and Great-Grandma with honor. We are so thankful for all of the memories she made with us.

After being a caregiver for her father, Patty and Everett moved to follow their grandchildren’s activities, first residing in Milbank SD, watching their only granddaughter in sports and babysitting little Garytt, and then in Tea, SD and back again, until finally settling in Tea. They especially enjoyed their time living with their daughter Alahna and her family in Tea when Everett and Dawson were young. In both towns, their kindness, compassion, and generosity had them known as Grandma and Grandpa to many children. Their last and best place of residence, however, was with their daughter Alahna and son-in-law David who built a handicap accessible home so Patty and Everett could live with them. She was given such amazing love and care until the moment she drew her last breath.

Anyone who knew Patty, knew she loved her family fiercely, as their best supporter and most enthusiastic cheerleader. It was said that she needed to come with a warning label when it came to protecting her family. The love she had for her husband Everett, of nearly 60 years, was unmatched. She was immensely proud of her daughters, the lives they’d built and the wives and mothers they’d become to her beautiful grandchildren and their sweet babies. Daughter Jolie (Gary) Tostenson of Mina, SD and their children Alyssa (Zachary) Davis (Great grandchildren Tanner, Allie, & Owen) and Garytt Tostenson of Brookings.

Daughter Alahna (Dave) Johnson of Tea, SD and children Everett Johnson of Tea, SD and Dawson (Bailey) Johnson (Great grandchildren Hayes and baby girl arriving soon) of Sioux Falls.

They were also blessed to raise a bonus daughter Carrie (James) Laursen of Sandstone, MN through her childhood.

Patty and Everett were also considered surrogate parents to many of their daughters’ friends, having a special place in her heart for Jay Marx of Lake City, SD.

She thought of herself as a second Mom and Grandma to hersister Julie (Mick) Docter of Amherst, SD and their children Kristal Docter and Jordan (Jessica) Docter (children Evan and Alex) of California whom she loved with all her heart.

In addition, she loved all of her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Welcoming her to Heaven are her parents Madeline and Harold Boone, brother Gene “Snork” Boone, and sister Baby Girl Boone, as well as her in-laws Olga and Everett S. Swenson, her best friend Marlene Hickey, and many other family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Patty’s Life at the Britton Area Event Center - 1203 3rd St -Britton, SD, Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Please take time to think of a memory of Patty to share or write it out for the family to share. For those unable to attend in Britton, there will be an open house Memorial Brunch in Tea, SD at Patty’s daughter Alahna’s home - 800 Quartzite Circle, Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. Inurnment will be a private family ceremony.

In charge of arrangements is Olson Funeral Chapel - 754 5thSt - Britton, SD 57430.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Everett Swenson – 800 Quartzite Circle – Tea, SD 57064.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.olsonfuneralchapel.com