Betty J. Swanwick, 83, of Parsons, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at her home.
Betty Jane McCartney was born on June 17, 1942, to Clarence and Emma (Knight) McCartney in rural Labette County. She grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School.
For many years, Betty worked in the healthcare industry, including for Home Medical and Labette County Medical Center, now Labette Health.
A devout Christian who truly loved Jesus, Betty was an active member of the Remnant Nazarene Church in Parsons.
Known for her beautiful smile, Betty loved to laugh and loved people. Her generous spirit extended from family and friends to single mothers and others in need. The underdog had a special place in her heart. She enjoyed eating good food, her favorite restaurant was the Red Onion in Joplin and reading good books, some years averaging 200 books a year. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and many friends.
On Nov. 11, 1960, Betty married the love of her life, Larry Swanwick. When Larry passed away on Aug. 25, 2017, she felt like she lost half of her heart.
Survivors include: One son – Mike Swanwick and his wife, Tonya, of Parsons, Kansas; one daughter – Tonya Waggoner and her husband, Eddy, of Parsons, Kansas; Three grandchildren – Trevor Waggoner and his wife, Erin, of Baldwin City, Kansas; Kyle Waggoner and his wife, Claire, of Mission, Kansas; and Hillary Swanwick of Oswego, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren – Rowan Hilderbrand, Jude Waggoner, Art Waggoner, Cora Waggoner, Fern Waggoner, Octavia Fox, Erin Reed, and Zoey Reed; lifelong friends – Bob and Jane Lewis of Desert Palm Springs, California and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her father; her mother and step-father, Emma and Bill Blackburn; her husband; two brothers, Dwayne Maupin and Raymond Maupin’ and her faithful dog, Buddy.
There will be a Memorial Visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at the Remnant Nazarene Church in Parsons. A private inurnment will take place at a later date at the Oswego Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Remnant Nazarene Church or Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www. forbeshoffman.com.
