Josie Meuchel Swanson

CORVALLIS - On Saturday, March 12, 2022, Josie Meuchel Swanson passed away at her home in Corvallis.

Josie was born to Vince and Thecla Meuchel on February 21, 1948, in Hamilton, Montana. She was number 8 out of a family of 12 siblings. The Meuchel’s were originally from North Dakota and moved to the Bitterroot to escape the great drought. Like many Bitterroot families of that time, the Meuchel’s raised acres of produce, milked cows, and worked multiple jobs. Josie fondly remembered picking strawberries, bunching onions, and butchering chickens as a young girl . She attended Hamilton School until 7th grade when the family moved to Corvallis where Josie finished her public education.

1966 was a big year for Josie, she graduated from high school, married her high school sweetheart, Jim Swanson, and had her first child Wendy. Josie and Jim had two children Wendy Greenfield and James L Swanson. She has 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Josie was the rock for her family and for many, many other friends, and relatives. A woman of strong  Christian faith, great wisdom, understanding and support; gained by years of prayer, reading, research  and study. When asked "Who is your doctor", family members often replied "Josie", "Mom ", or "Grandma Jo".

In 1972, Josie and Jim started their lifelong business “Swanson Distributing”. Josie acted as bookkeeper, salesperson, and general CEO until her recent death. Through her wisdom, hard work, and   leadership, the company developed over time into a regional HVAC wholesale distribution company, with over 500 customers in multiple states. The company continues on under leadership and labor of nine close family members trained and tutored by her.

Josie is survived by her husband of 56 years; her daughter, Wendy (Don) Greenfield; son, James L. (Dalia) Swanson; 5 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her brother, Tim (Anita) Meuchel; sisters,  Elaine Severson, Tecky (Doug) Lafeve, Tina (Doug) Fausett; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Corvallis Cemetery. A Celebration of her life with time of sharing will follow at Daly-Leach Chapel, in Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josie's name to New Life Ministries, PO Box 1029, Lake Forest, CA 92601-1209 (www.newlife.com )  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

Pallbearers: Matt Greenfield, Garret Swanson, Ryan Jolly, Luke Swanson, Lorence Greenfield, and Daniel Meuchel

Honorary Pallbearers: Dave Fagerstrom, Wayne Gander, Bob Adkins, Marshall Magnuson, Tim Meuchel, Doug Fausett, and Doug Lafeve