Patricia Ella Swank

Patricia Ella Swank (Knevitt) went to sleep on earth and woke up in heaven on February 23, 2025, just the way she always said she wanted to go. She was born in Queens, New York in 1941. She later moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where she met and eventually married my dad, Bill Knevitt. Their first years of marriage were spent at the University of Michigan where my mom put my dad through music school; he was also in the Michigan Marching Band. One of my mom’s greatest loves was the band. She would attend every rehearsal and football game to watch them march. After college, they moved to Eaton Rapids, where my dad became the band director. Many times my mom would tell me how much she loved this community. She was very active in our church, the First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and singing in choir. She was also a member and president of the Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Jan McRee. One of her greatest accomplishments was raising funds for the trees that line Main Street, I think of her every time I see them. After a few years, my dad left and it was just her and I. Times were hard but she always did everything she could to take care of me. She went to work at Green Bay Foods (the “Pickle Factory”). What a tough job, but she met Doug Swank and they were married in 1984. Doug was so good to her; I will always be grateful to him for giving her a great life. Doug died in 2016 and it was then that I started to see a decline in my mom. She was eventually diagnosed with dementia and I had to move her to an assisted living facility. She quickly made friends, like she always does, and made the best of the situation. One friend in particular, Marie, took her under her wing and they were inseparable. My deepest thanks to Marie! Her friendship made the transition so much easier.  

I was thinking about what defines my mom and came up with this list.  First, her faith and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always used to say next to Billy Graham, my mom is one of the finest Christian witnesses I’ve ever known. She cared for people, many of you were the recipients of cards and silly jokes from my mom. That was her way of showing she cared. Second, I like to think it was her family. Third, music. You might not know it, but my mom was a terrific clarinet and saxophone player and could play all the woodwinds. Her and my dad gave me a love for music. Lastly, animals, my mom loved animals and was determined to save all of them. We always had a house full of animals, and later on she went to work for Eastwood Veterinary Clinic where she quickly set up an adoption program in the front office. I found a notepad of hers where she kept track of the animals saved and it was over 100 animals! She instilled a love for animals in me, and I’m determined to save them all too!

To name everyone who took care of my mom would be too hard because so many great people were involved in her care. I would like to thank the staff at StoryPoint (Grand Ledge) for making the last few months of her life great. CareLine (Hospice) did an outstanding job taking care of her. I would like to thank Debbie Davis, who was such a good friend to my mom, and quickly became family! I would also like to thank my husband, Lynn. His unwavering support of my mom and I made this journey a little easier.    

I would like to thank a very special person in my mom’s life, her dear friend Lynn Mitchell. Lynn was a friend to my mom for over 50 years and was very faithful to visit her at the facilities, even when my mom was declining. Lynn, you are the true example of what a friendship should be. I will never forget your kindness.

If you would like to do something in memory of my mom, please consider volunteering at an assisted living facility. Those folks love to sit and visit and talk about their lives. I would also ask that you consider making a donation to an animal charity. My mom would love that!

I am told you can only take one thing to heaven with you and that is your children. I am so glad my mom made sure I knew the way of salvation and that I will see her again. I am sure when she got to heaven, the Lord was standing there and said the words we all hope to hear … “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.  

There will be no funeral services. A private graveside service is being planned for a later date.