Joyce Marie Swanz

Salt Lake City, UT – Joyce Marie Swanz, 84 passed away peacefully on July 16, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Joyce was born in Lewistown, MT on September 3, 1938 to Clarence and Marie(Silvka) Kaufman. Joyce grew up in Moccasin, MT where she attended school, graduating in 1956.

Joyce attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, graduating with an associate degree.

Joyce married Richard (Dick) Swanz in Hobson, MT on September 20,1958. After living in Conrad for a short time they moved to Bozeman while Dick was completing his degree from Montana State. They then settled in Great Falls where Joyce worked at Crop Hail Management and Cargill. In 1985 they moved to Roundup, MT where Joyce began her career with the USDA and became involved with PEO and St. Benedict Catholic Church. When Dick purchased the Lewistown Livestock Auction in 1988 they moved to Lewistown, MT. Joyce continued her career with the USDA until she retired. Joyce became very involved with the St. Leo’s Catholic Church, she served the parish in many ways including eucharistic minister, RCIA, Baptism Preparation and co-ordinating funeral dinners. Joyce loved volunteering at the public library and sharing with others her love of reading. She enjoyed gardening, baking and making her famous pickles. The greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren, she loved spending time with them whether it was watching sports with Logan or teaching Abi how to bake. 

Joyce is survived by her daughter Shannon and her husband Adam and her most beloved grandchildren Logan and Abi; her brother Gordan (Kay) Kaufman, Billings, her beloved nephew Kyle Kaufman, Helena, brothers in law Jim (Jean) Swanz, Hamilton, Tom (Carol) Swanz, Utica, John (Linda) Swanz, Judith Gap, sisters in law Sandra Cummings, Bozeman, Gayle (Ray) Valentine and Cheryl (Bill) Spratt, Hobson and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter Robyn, infants sons Richard and Raymond and her brother Dean Kaufman. Brothers in law Everett Cummings and Ned Kynett.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 12:00pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Graveside services will be held in the fall at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, MT.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Friends of the Lewistown Public Library at Lewistown Public Library, 701 West Main Lewistown, MT 59457.