Carol Ann Swanz

1941 - 2025

Carol Ann (Wetzel) Swanz, 84, of Utica, MT, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on a beautiful sunny winter day on January 16, 2025. Carol was the daughter of Ralph Wetzel and Elizabeth (Plovanich) Wetzel. She was born in Lewistown, MT, on January 5, 1941. Carol graduated from Buffalo High School in Buffalo, MT, in 1957; and from Eastern Montana College of Education in Billings, MT, two years later at the age of 18. She was a proud member of the SPURS National Honor Society. She taught grades 1-4 for one year at the Buffalo school. She married Tom Swanz in 1959, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hobson.

A ranching life began at the Wertheimer Ranch south of Utica. Tom and Carol moved to Prairie Nest Ranch east of Great Falls in September 1960. Their three children: Daniel, Shawna, and Suzanne were all born in Great Falls, MT.

From March 1968 to July 1969 the family lived at the IX ranch near Big Sandy, MT. In 1969, Tom and Carol and the children moved to the Swanz family ranch south of Utica. Carol lived at the family ranch until her death.

She taught art at Hobson High School from 1975-1982. Her students loved her dearly. Carol worked with the Shobe Auction team in Lewistown, MT, for nearly 20 years appraising and staging many estate sales and auctions. She was always very creative; painting, beading, and quilting, etc. Crafting and creating was a joy for her.

Carol enjoyed travelling and visiting friends and family in Arizona, Alaska, Washington, South Dakota, Florida, Oregon, Illinois, Massachusetts, and London, England. Carol also enjoyed many trips over the decades to the Middle Fork cabin; teaching her children and grandchildren about wildflowers, birds, and rocks. She always insisted on driving her own 4-wheeler. She enjoyed sharing a glass of wine with friends and family; she loved cats and dragonflies most.

She is survived by her husband, Tom and beloved black cat, Benson of Utica; son, Dan and his wife, Kyndell, Wilsall; daughter, Shawna and her husband, Rick Koffman, Helena; daughter, Suzanne and her husband, Chris Aune, Utica; grandchildren, Ben and Parker Swanz, Matthew (Amanda) and Michael Aune, Dr. Taylor (Jace) Beaver, Jace Aune; four great-grandchildren; sister, JoAnne (Ken) Sipes; brother, Ralph "Sonny" (Marilou) Wetzel all of Billings; and niece, Blythe (Gardner) (Jeff) Butler, Portland, OR.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Caslen Living Centers, the CMMC Hospice team and staff at Creel Funeral Home for their care and compassion for Carol during her final days.

Graveside services will be held at the Utica Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations in Carol's name can be made to the Hobson Ambulance Service or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Carol's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com