Julie Ann Swanson

Julie Ann (Knight) Swanson, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all she met, passed away at the age of 73, on November 19, 2025, in Missoula, Montana. Julie was born on April 6, 1952, in Glasgow, Montana, to Ivy Leonard Knight and Mildred Rosemary (Sonsteng) Knight. Born the 2nd of four girls (1-Laura, 2-Julie, 3-Shar & 4-Doris), she cherished her childhood memories. She loved worshiping with her family at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow where she was baptized and confirmed. Julie was passionate about learning and made friends easily. She loved music and played the clarinet, piano, and organ. She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1970 from Glasgow High School as a Scottie. Julie received her B.S. Degree in Mathematics Secondary Teaching in 1974. Math was her forte; she loved to teach and tutor kids.

Julie met the love of her life, Charlie Swanson, at Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Montana. Julie and Charlie Louis Swanson were wed on September 3, 1978. Charlie is the 3rd generation to work on his family farm, Swanson’s Mountain View Orchard, in Corvallis. Julie worked side by side in partnership with her husband to raise their children, Charla Marie (1980) and Lukas Knight (1983), on their apple orchard and cattle ranch. She enjoyed the family business. She made buying apples both educational and fun. Julie loved to share apple recipes and history of the farm. She also found time to substitute teach and tutor kids.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents. Julie is survived by her husband, Charlie; her daughter Charla (Michael) Fontaine; her son Lukas (Whitney) Swanson; grandchildren Samuel and Elizabeth Fontaine, and Brooklyn, Emmalyn, Lakelyn and Rilyn Swanson; sisters Laura Haefer, Sharleen Clark and Doris Leader; brother-in-law James Swanson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Julie’s service is on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 10 am at Daly Leach Memorial Chapel. It is officiated by Pastor Paul from Faith Lutheran Church.