Mary Swayne

Mary Elizabeth ‘Mary Beth’ Swayne, 62, passed away on June 3, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on August 25, 1963, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Larry and Colleen (Hathaway) Swayne.

Growing up in an Air Force family, Mary Beth lived in many places across the United States and Germany, experiences that helped shape her curious, adaptable, and independent nature. She graduated from Mulvane High School in 1981, earned a Centennial Scholarship to Southwestern College, and later earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Programming and Computer Science from the University of Kansas.

Mary Beth built a successful career in business administration and accounting, spending many years working in Lawrence, Kansas. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and also enjoyed attending services at the Methodist Church in Mulvane.

Known for her creativity and vibrant spirit, Mary Beth embraced life with color, curiosity, and a sense of fun. Though raised in a traditional military family, she charted her own path and developed a unique outlook on life that reflected her love of creativity, individuality, and self-expression. Rainbow colors filled her home, artwork, and many of the things she treasured, reflecting the colorful perspective she carried throughout her life.

She rarely sat still and was always creating something. Mary Beth enjoyed puzzles, crocheting, and cross-stitch and, in her younger years, restored furniture and created stained-glass artwork. She became affectionately known as ‘Fun Aunt Mary,’ often arriving at family gatherings with activities, games, and projects for the children to enjoy.

A natural storyteller, Mary Beth could turn a simple moment into a tale worth telling. Her stories often wandered down unexpected paths and lasted a little longer than planned, but they were always delivered with enthusiasm, humor, and a perspective all her own. Her wit, creativity, and distinctive personality made her someone people remembered.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Swayne, and her brother, Daniel Swayne.

Mary Beth is survived by her mother, Colleen Swayne; her children, Nicole (Matthew) and Tyler; her grandchildren, Mackinsey, Alex, and Jaline; her brothers, Stephen Swayne (Mindy), Jeffrey Swayne (Tracy), Andrew Swayne, and Curt Swayne (Julie); her sisters, Kathryn Noah (Michael), Lisa Swayne, Ericka Stephens, and sister-in-law Patricia; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Mary Beth will be remembered for her creativity, colorful spirit, artistic talents, and the unique perspective she brought to life. Whether through a craft project, a piece of stained glass, or a story that took the scenic route, she left an impression that was distinctly her own.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27th at the American Legion Family Post 136 in Mulvane, KS at 4:00pm.