Obituary of Tani Schwent

Tani LaReta Schwent, 80, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, in Lacey, Washington. Born on January 31, 1945, Tani graduated from Pasco Senior High and attended Columbia Basin College, excelling in writing and contributing to the college paper and local businesses. If you were fortunate, she would share a beautiful poem she wrote. She worked as a secretary with the Washington State Patrol and later she found deep fulfillment overseeing the unit responsible for granting security clearances at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Her expertise was widely recognized, and she was often called upon to assist other naval bases in developing strong security programs. She concluded her career at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Tani enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She created elaborate themed bunnies for family, Tooth Fairy pillows she donated to the Seattle Children's Hospital Thrift Store, and beautiful Christmas tree skirts. She was also known to quietly sit at the piano and play a beautiful song or two. Tani was a devoted mother to Robert Schwent, Jr., Melanie Kelley (Schwent), and Tracy Schwent and a loving stepmom to Michael Kelley. She was also a cherished grandmother to Nicelle Herron, Sean Herron, Kathryn Herron, and Damien Valentine Schwent; and a proud great-grandmother to Rylan Nelson, Damian Herron, Gabe Herron, Seraphina Herron, and Soren Herron. She is also remembered by her siblings Mary Reese, Arlene Smith, Betty Mackey, Tammie Frost, James West, Allen Jeffries, Garrett West, and Pat Reese; and many nieces and nephews. Tani was preceded in death by her husband Robert Schwent, father Alfred James West, mothers Frances Baker and Delores "Babe" West Piehler, and sisters Kathy Butler and Terri Lee West. A viewing will be held at McComb and Wagner in Shelton, WA, on October 2, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery on October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.