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Kara Jo Swanemyr Mathews

1979 - 2021

Kara Jo Swanemyr Mathews obituary, 1979-2021, St. George, CO

BORN

1979

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George

110 South Bluff Street

Saint George, Utah

Kara Mathews Obituary

Kara Jo Swanemyr Mathews, age 41, passed away on February 26, 2021 at her home in St. George, UT with her family. She courageously fought colon cancer for 10 years.

Kara was born on Oct 27, 1979 in Durango, CO to Bruce and Cindy (McClanahan) Swanemyr. She married Chris Mathews on August 17, 2004 in the St. George, UT Temple for time and all eternity. They enjoyed 17 beautiful years together.

Kara was raised in Ignacio, CO. She was active in 4-H, school sports and helped her family on their ranch. She went to Dixie State College in St. George, UT and graduated from BYU-Hawaii. Kara was a PE teacher and then a dedicated mom and caring wife. Kara was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served many people, even as she fought cancer.

Kara loved traveling, adventures, nature, sports, good salsa and always had music playing. Kara lived fully and loved her family and friends. She kept in close touch with scores of people. To know her was to love her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Chris Mathews; sons Nathan (14) and Jackson (11) of St. George, UT; parents Bruce & Cindy Swanemyr, brothers Jesse (Tia) and Cole (Katie), grandparents; Jean McClanahan, Bob & Betty Swanemyr of Ignacio, CO.

Upon marrying Chris, the son of Robert & Carol Mathews of Panaca, NV, Kara gained 9 additional siblings and their spouses. Kara has 56 nieces and nephews, 4 great-nieces, and 1 great-nephew.

A service celebrating her life will be held on March 6 at 2 P.M. at 3202 E. Crimson Ridge Dr, St. George, UT. A viewing will be held on March 5 from 5-7 P.M. at Spilsbury Mortuary. There will be a smaller viewing from 12 to 1:30 P.M, for family and those traveling on Saturday.

The service will be broadcasted via YouTube, a link will be shared via Facebook.

Kara will be laid to rest in the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, UT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family via Kara's Venmo account @Kara-Mathews-4

Published by The Durango Herald on Mar. 1, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kara Mathews

Sponsored by Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George.

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It was such a pleasure to know Kara and observe her maturing into the wonderful young woman she was. She touched many lives. We will always remember watching her play basketball and her fierce competitive spirit. Love to the family.

Hector Alvarado Marcia Franzen

February 23, 2022

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of dear sweet Kara. She was such a delight as a sixth grade student and a skilled competitive athlete to coach. Her enthusiasm, beautiful smile, and care for others was an inspiration to all who knew her. My deepest condolences to your family.
Susan Rose

Susan Rose

Teacher

March 13, 2021

I knew Kara as a wonderful and attentive person. A bright light. I pray for Kara’s family.

Larry Olguin

Friend

March 8, 2021

Hector Alvarado Marcia Franzen

March 5, 2021

Cindy and Family My Deepest Sympathy to You and Your Family. You are in My Thoughts and Prayers.

Elizabeth Gallegos

March 5, 2021

So sorry for your loss, Bruce & Cindy

Craig Butler

March 5, 2021

I was fortunate enough to get to know Kara Jo when she played high school basketball -- her mother, Cindy and I have been friends for decades! I was always impressed with Kara's friendly attitude, competitive spirit and bright smile -- she will be greatly missed! My condolences, prayers, and love are sent to Kara's family during this difficult time.

Tina Duran-Velasquez

Friend

March 2, 2021

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Memorial Events
for Kara Mathews

Mar

5

Viewing

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George

110 South Bluff Street, Saint George, UT 84770

Mar

6

Service

2:00 p.m.

3202 E. Crimson Ridge Dr

St. George, UT 84770

Funeral services provided by:

Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George

110 South Bluff Street, Saint George, UT 84770

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