Imogene Sverdsten

Imogene (White,Payne) Sverdsten

September 8, 1931-May 29, 2025

Mom passed away peacefully on May 29th at her home surrounded by family.

Ima was born September 8, 1931 in Bend, Oregon to Adrian and Mae White. She was the oldest of 7 children including brothers Jess, Frank and Don White, and sisters Karen (Peterson), Nadine (Weddle) and Mary (Sperber).

She grew up in Rose Lake, ID and attended school there. She loved to talk about her prowess on the basketball court during her high school years. She attended the Rose Lake all-school reunion for many years and always had fun catching up with all her childhood friends.

Ima married Norman Payne at a young age and they had 4 children-Jim, Steve, Cheryl and Debbie. A more devoted Mom you could not find. She was the Cub Scout Leader (Jim and Steve), Bluebird and Campfire leader (Cheryl) and Girl scout leader (Debbie). She was the fun Mom for sure. They lived close to Coeur d’Alene Lake so summer days meant loading up the wagon with Kool aid and sandwiches, then heading down to the lake with all the neighbor ladies and kids for the day-perfection!

Ima worked at Kootenai Memorial Hospital for many years, working her way up to supervisor of the laundry department. She was such a hard worker and dedicated like no other. She received several awards for her work there.

After Dad passed away, Mom ran into Don Sverdsten at a school reunion. They hit it off and started dating, then getting married. They traveled for many years -Hawaii, Mexico, Europe and RV clubbing (Good Sam) They had a lot of fun and she truly loved the chance to travel. Mom considered Don’s daughters Lynn and Marcy as true daughters and they loved her right back.

Her greatest joys in life were Christmas Eve gatherings with her family, Family Reunions, Trips to Reno with her sisters and whoever wanted to tag along, watching Gonzaga Men’s team-super fan! She played softball with her sisters for several years and brags about being cleated by metal cleats while defending her 3rd base. She also enjoyed team bowling and lots of fun trips to tournaments for many years.

She also loved to embroider her beloved dish towels. Everyone treasures those creations. She loved playing pinocle with Cheryl at the Hayden Senior Center for many years and didn’t mind a run to the casino every once in a while.

Her grandchildren thought the world of her. Her first grands were Dana and Stacy Payne born to Jim and Laura. She loved them and when Laura died at a young age, she tried to take them under her wing. Mat, Luke and Marc McPeak (Deb and Duane’s boys) lovingly called her “Gramcracker”, and were able to spend a lot of time with their loving grandmother. Sam and Casey Snyder (Cheryl and Tim’s boys) had to travel to see her but were able to stay with her many times during the summer and have such awesome memories of her.

Imogene was preceded in death by her husbands-Norman Payne and Donald Sverdsten, her beloved sons James and Steven Payne. Also passing before her were her parents Adrian White and Mae Healey as well as brothers Jess, Frank and Don White.

Survivors are daughters Cheryl Snyder (Tim) and Debbie McPeak (Duane-deceased). Grandchildren Dana Vanbrunt, Stacy Payne; Sam and Casey Snyder; Mat, Luke and Marc McPeak. She leaves 12 great grandchildren and 5 Great-great grandchildren with one more on the way. Her three sisters Karen Peterson, Nadine Weddle, and Mary Sperber (Steve) and countless nieces and nephews will also be remembering her with love.

Her daughter Debbie and grandson Marcus took loving care of Mom for her last several months and she appreciated it greatly.

Rest in Peace, beautiful Mom.