Darby Renee Swanson (Arntson), of Kennewick, went home to Jesus on July 14, 2024.

Darby was born on July 13, 1950 to Elerth and Rosella Arntson in Moorhead, MN. After Darby graduated from Moorhead High, she went onto Moorhead State College where she earned three bachelors degrees over the course of three years: English, Theater, and Speech/Debate. While in college Darby placed in the top ten percent in the nation in Speech and Debate. Darby taught English for over thirty years. Her early career was spent teaching around the country before settling down in Kennewick where she taught at Liberty Christian School, Pasco and Chiawana High Schools. She also enjoyed coaching speech and debate in the Pasco School District. When she wasn't working or coaching she could be found reading a true crime novel.

Darby's greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she was a phenomenal one. Her children were the light of her life. She volunteered every chance she had, was always a chaperone, attended every cheerleading event her daughters took part in, and she was at every sporting event her son competed in. Darby also took great delight in her three grandchildren.. Later in life she truly enjoyed rescuing cats and dogs. Animals were always in her heart.

Darby was predeceased by her parents Elerth and Rosella Arntson, and her nephew/godson Landon Arntson. She is survived by her children: Rachel Williams (John), Crystal DeBuigne (Paul), and Chad Swanson (Cheree Combs-Swanson). Her grandchildren Renee Williams, Haylee DeBuigne, and Rule Combs-Swanson. Her four siblings, many nieces and nephews, and family friends.

Darby lived her life in service to God and touched many lives in doing so. It was Darby's greatest desire to be with Jesus in heaven. Darby spent her whole life walking like Jesus and as we lay her to rest she would want us to live according to the following verse, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

Services will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Kennewick on August 10th at 2:00 p.m. A second service will be held on August 15th at Grove Lake Lutheran Church at 3:00 p.m. in rural Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.