Carol Ann (Richling) Swendson, 77, of rural Horton, Kansas, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. 

Carol was born on May 22, 1948, Horton, Kansas, the oldest of eight children born to Glenn and Teresa (Schaefer) Richling. Carol was a life- long active member of the St. Leo's Catholic Church, where she taught CCD, was a DRE, served in the Altar Society, lectered, cantered, was a eucharistic and homebound minster and sang in the choir. Carol was united in marriage to Gary A. Swendson on September 2, 1967, at St. Leo's Catholic Church. They lived all their married life on a farm southeast of Horton. To this union three sons were born, Todd, Bradly and Jeff. Carol graduated from Horton High School in 1966 and from the Continental Beauty School in 1967. Carol worked at the Horton Hospital for 15 years and Duckwalls retail store for 13 years. Carol enjoyed reading, doing crafts, visiting with family and going to the casino's to play bingo. 

She is survived by her sons, Todd and Jeff (Michelle) Swendson of Horton, two step granddaughters, Kaylynn and Kelsey (Taylor), one brother, Dale (Sheri) Richling of Lawrence, three sisters, Phyllis (David) Shannon of Hiawatha, Vickie (Don) Groshong of Horton and Mary Davin of Lawrence, twenty one nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and great nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gary, son, Brad, two sisters and one brother in infancy, nieces, Cindy Groshong and Deborah Frans, brothers-in-law, Harold Delzeit, and Kenneth Davin, sisters-in-law Mary Swendson and Dorothy Swendson. 

The family will greet friends from 9:30 to 10:00 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with a rosary being recited at 10:00 A.M. followed by a funeral mass at 10:30. Burial will be at the St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may made to the Carol Swendson memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary.