Karol Ann (Kruse) Swart, 79, of Grinnell, passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at home with her family by her side, after battling dementia. She was born at 12:32 a.m. on October 15, 1944, in Colby, KS, to Ralph and Armella (Lintel) Kruse and weighed in at 9lbs 2oz. Karol received her first haircut at six weeks old, so her mom could mail it to her dad who was serving in the Navy. She grew up on a farm southwest of Oakley and was the oldest of eight kids. Karol graduated from Oakley High School and attended Fort Hays State University.
On January 29, 1964, Karol married the love of her life, Terry Swart, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Oakley. They met at the Dairy King, where Karol worked in high school. They lived a wonderful life together on the Swart Ranch, located 20 miles south of Grinnell. There they raised their two children, Amy and Terrall, who were Karol’s pride and joy.
Through the years they raised pigs, a cow and calf herd, horses, bucket calves, dogs, cats, rabbits and ran a fat cattle feedlot. Terry and Karol made their dream house plans become a reality when their new house was built in 1975, smack dab in the middle of their pasture. Terry calls it “God’s Country”.
Karol said she always wanted to live in town, but when the opportunity arose, she fought to stay on the ranch.
After the kids were older, Karol went to work in Oakley. She worked at Mitten’s Skelly Truck Stop as a cook and Amy joined her there as a waitress. Later they both worked together at the Colonial Steakhouse. Karol also worked at the Oakley School Cafeteria and later she and Terry worked together at Warren’s IGA. Karol had a gift to cook!
After her kids were grown, Karol attended the Liberal Truck Driving School. Upon graduating, her and Terry team drove a semi, for Barnett Trucking, all over the country, coast to coast. They called themselves “Paid Snowbirds”. This allowed them to travel and see many states.
Karol’s kids were her pride and joy, but then came her first grandchild, Jason. It was love at first sight; she enjoyed every minute with him! Seven years later she was doubly blessed with twin granddaughters, Ashley and Emily. She couldn’t get enough of the three of them and spent lots of time babysitting. Karol was a fun grandma, spoiling them rotten and taking them on many adventures as they grew up. Being a grandma was great, but then came her four great grandkids: Mia and Chelsey Reyes and Baylor and Eli Chartier. All four were perfect in her eyes. Together they carried on the grandkid adventures with fun on the ranch riding 4-wheelers, sledding, climbing the bluffs, painting, coloring and putting together puzzles. They took road trips to swimming pools, water slides, zoos and the lake. Her kids, grandkids and great grandkids were blessed with a life full of fun and love with her. Memories that will be cherished forever.
Karol lived the best life with her husband Terry by her side through all of it. She enjoyed farm life, caring for her kids and farm animals, cooking and gardening. Through the years she enjoyed various hobbies: crafting, taking pictures, scrapbooking, ceramic and tole painting, sewing, quilting, coloring, puzzles, puzzle books, wildflowers and bird watching. Karol was an avid Elvis fan, believing someday he would come for her. She was also a huge Billy Ray Cyrus fan, dragging Terry and family to various states to attend his concerts.
Karol is survived by her husband of 60 years, Terry Swart; children, Amy (Larry) Smith, of Dodge City and Terrall (Stephanie) Swart of Hays; grandchildren, Jason Swart, Ashley (Josh) Chartier and Emily (Gustavo) Reyes, all of Hays and great grandchildren, Baylor and Eli Chartier and Mia and Chelsey Reyes. Upon Terrall’s marriage to Stephanie, she gained more grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryder) Eakin, of Hays, and Paige (Alex) Nuss, of Hutchison, and great grandchildren, Callie, Carson and Caylor Eakin and Easton and Beckett Nuss. She is also survived by her siblings and in-laws, Lanny Hockersmith, Rodney (Mary Lou) Kruse, Butch (Cheri) Kruse, Connie Evans, Berny (Missy) Kruse, Janice Wilkening, and Robert (Chan) Kruse; her aunts, Geraldine Swart and Dixie Lintel and 25 nieces and nephews and their families. She loved family get togethers and loved all the kids.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Herman and Mary Lintel and Ben and Carrie Kruse; her parents, Ralph and Armella Kruse; in-laws, Leonard and Elizabeth Swart; sister, Marilyn Hockersmith; sister-in-law Connie (Dennis) Dawson; brother-in-law Rod Wilkening; aunts and uncles, Marietta Coats, Elaine Hammerschmidt, Eunice Weber, LaVerna Robben, Lila Heier and Donnie Lintel; an infant son Paul and her cat Lilly.
A celebration of life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Oakley. Karol would have requested that everyone dress casually for the service. Memorials may be made to NWKareS Hospice (to help provide medical equipment for patients) and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com