Denise Ellen Swanger, age 66, of Crestline, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, November 2, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.
Denise was born on September 25, 1959 in Crestline, Ohio to James and Ava (Templeman) Poole. Denise graduated from Crestline High School in 1978. During high school she made many meaningful friendships that continued into adulthood. In 1980 she met her husband, James Swanger, whom she wed in her parents’ backyard on September 3rd of 1983. They spent 45 years together- 42 married. Together they had two children, Hunter and Courtney.
Denise worked for Crestline Exempted Village Schools for many years as a sub and an aid. She eventually found that her favorite job there was as a lunch lady where she made fast friends, and laughter could always be heard spilling from the kitchen. Denise enjoyed time with her family and friends; whether that was family reunions, “Ho-Downs”, parties at the pond, a girls’ vacation, or a trip to the casino, she always knew how to have fun. Denise loved football and baseball. On Sunday’s she could be heard chanting “Here we go Brownies, here we go! Woof! Woof!”.
Her love for her family and friends was felt deeply. Denise loved being a wife, mom, sister, aunt, great aunt, a great-great aunt, and later a grandma. She spoiled everyone, was always a shoulder to lean on, and knew how to have a great laugh.
Denise is survived by her husband, James E. Swanger; children: Hunter J. (Paige) Swanger and Courtney J. (Aaron) Swanger; beloved granddaughters: Dixie Kay and Goldie Mae; sisters: Dianne (Terry) Stumpf and Deborah (Tip) Gregory; sisters-in-law: Barbara Poole, Debbie (Ernie) Sallee and Lynn (Ed) Friebel; brother-in-law: Tim Swanger; great aunts: Karen (Nick) Dann and Donna (Buster) Anderson; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.
Denise was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws: William and Lucille Swanger; brother: Darrell Poole; niece: Danielle Gregory; and nephew: Tyler Gregory.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A casual time of sharing memories and stories of Denise will take place at 7 pm.
For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Crestline Boosters PO Box 423, Crestline, OH 44827 or Pink Ladies of The Galion Owls, 239 Harding Way East, Galion, OH 44833.
Condolences may be left on Denise’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).