Kathy Jane Murrmann Swanson

April 12, 1955 ~ January 24, 2023      67 Years Old

Early afternoon on January 24, 2023, Kathy Jane Murrmann Swanson calmly and peacefully left this world in search of her next adventure. On April 12, 1955, Kathy arrived as the first daughter born to Virgina May Bachtel Miller and Burnas B. Murrmann. They raised their family of six in South Bend, Indiana. She graced James Whitcomb Riley high school, Indiana University Bloomington and Indiana University South Bend.

On May 6, 2000, in San Diego CA, she married her love, Bob Swanson. They resided in the Phoenix AZ area eventually retiring to their home in Apache Junction. Along with Bob and Fluffy, Kathy’s cat, four of her siblings survive. Kent (Sue) of Blacksburg VA, George of West Baden Springs IN, Don (Marilyn) of Kerrville TX and JoEllen (Bob) DePaepe of South Bend IN.  Her mother, father, oldest brother Paul and Kathy’s precious dog Buddy greeted her arrival in that great unknown.  Our last surviving Aunt, Dora Bachtel Mathison, along with all the nieces, nephews and cousins live on. A part of all our hearts will forever be hers.  

As a little girl, with horses on her bedroom curtains, she dreamed of having her own horse, eventually raising one horse from a colt while caring for two. Perseverance was built into Kathy, hauling hay, alfalfa, grain and mucking stalls. She once spent four hours coaxing one very stubborn horse into a trailer only to coax it back out again.  Her afternoon trail time over, this left her frustrated while still happy to be with them and happy to try again the next day. Quitting was not an option for Kathy and everyday brought new opportunities to succeed. She was a Sheriff for the local posse, participating in weekend trail rides along with search and rescue missions in the mountains surrounding the Phoenix Valley. An avid Chicago Cubs (Go Cubbies!) and Arizona Wildcats fan, Kathy watched all the games.  Fine wine, fine food and Dove dark chocolates being no stranger to her, she enjoyed and deserved the finer things life offered.

She started her working career with Montgomery Ward in purchasing and continued in that capacity with various manufacturing facilities across the country. Her last foray was with TSA being stationed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She truly enjoyed this position as it brought her in contact with all the diverse people heading off to places unknown.  

Kathy lost her battle with cancer but as she would tell you “There’s no crying in baseball.” She will live on forever in our hearts. 

She’s coming home to be interred at Southlawn Cemetery, 61430 U.S. 31 South, South Bend, IN 46614. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on April 15, 2023.  Please stop by to say happy trails to her.

Palmer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

02.26.2023 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Kathy-MurrmannSwanson