Her Story
About Amie L.M.
Amie L.M. Swenson is a second-generation mortician and the owner of two family-operated funeral homes in Idaho — Farnsworth Mortuary & Crematory, acquired in 2016, and Farmer Funeral Chapel, purchased approximately eight years ago. Raised in the profession by her father, Amie spent the first two decades of her career learning the trade alongside him, developing a comprehensive skill set that spans embalming, restorative art, crematory operations, and family arrangement services. A graduate of Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, she holds dual licensure as both a funeral director and mortician in the state of Idaho, bringing nearly three decades of hands-on expertise to every family she serves.
Throughout her career, Amie has distinguished herself not only as a skilled practitioner but as a dedicated leader within the funeral service profession. She served as president of the Idaho Funeral Service Association, where her advocacy work extended to the national stage through participation in the Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. Recognized as an Influential Woman in her field, she has made it a personal mission to elevate the voices of women in a historically male-dominated industry — most notably by founding Idaho's first women's professional conference for funeral service, an initiative that has grown into an annual event.
At the heart of Amie's work is an unwavering commitment to compassion, community, and continual growth. She and her husband operate both locations together, and she credits her strong family foundation — from her late father's mentorship to her husband's steadfast encouragement — as a driving force behind her success. Whether she is guiding a grieving family through the arrangement process or advocating for meaningful change within the profession, Amie approaches every aspect of her work with the belief that serving others at their most vulnerable is both a privilege and a calling.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amie L.M.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continually challenging myself and never allowing complacency to take hold. Whenever I feel settled, I ask myself what comes next. I was also fortunate to have a strong foundation — a solid upbringing with wonderful parents — and I am deeply grateful for my husband's unwavering support and encouragement throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most valuable guidance I ever received came from my father. He taught me everything I know about this profession, and the lessons he passed on during our 20 years of working side by side continue to shape the way I serve families today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Women belong at every table — including the arrangement table and the prep table. I want young women entering this field to know that their presence, skills, and leadership are not only welcome but essential. I helped institute Idaho's first women's professional conference for funeral service, and we are now preparing for its second annual event. My greatest advice is to assert your place with confidence and never let the male-dominated nature of this industry make you feel like you don't belong.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funeral service continues to be a male-dominated field, and that remains one of its most significant ongoing challenges. However, I see tremendous opportunity in leadership, professional networking, and advocacy. My involvement with the Idaho Funeral Service Association — including participation in the Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC — has shown me how important it is for funeral professionals to have a voice in legislation and industry issues. Stepping into those spaces is both a challenge and a powerful opportunity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the core of everything I do is compassion — being present for families during their most vulnerable moments is a responsibility I take deeply to heart. I also value family, legacy, and community. Continual self-improvement drives me professionally, and my commitment to inclusion — particularly for women in funeral service — reflects my belief that this industry is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table.
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