Carol Ann Swanger passed away on January 30, 2021 in Kennewick, WA. She was born February 3, 1938 in Ione, WA to Verne Edward (Bun) Hambrook and Goldie Grace Walker. Carol described herself as a tomboy with a nickname of Tuffy, preferring to work outside with her father. She loved riding horses, playing baseball, square dancing, ice skating on the pond, sledding, and all outdoor games. She would spend so much time outside in the winter that she switched between 3 different snow suits. Although she loved the outdoors she had a compassionate side and loved to babysit, which she started at the age 7 and continued throughout her life. She married Jim Swanger on Oct. 10, 1953 at the hitching post in Coeur d'Alene, with her parents, Bun and Goldie Hambrook, and Jim's mother, Jane Swanger, in attendance. For their honeymoon they went to a cousin's house in Ione, WA and spent the weekend alone. Carol and Jim moved to Cheney, where she supported Jim, while he attended Eastern State University, by working in the student union. Their first child, James Robert Jr., was born during this time. In 1958, she got an Associate Students degree PHC (putting your husband through college), which she proudly displayed. The couple then moved to Waitsburg, WA where Karen and Kenneth Allen (Pete) were added to their family. They spent a year in Wenatchee, WA, then moved their young family to California for Jim to continue his education. It was there Carol had Diana Lynn in the hall of the hospital because the labor nurse couldn't believe such a young mother was an expert at giving birth. The family then started a new chapter by moving back to Washington, where Jim got a job at Kennewick High School as a math teacher and coach. Carol continued the tradition of her parents and created a home where all were welcome. With a steady flow of the kids' friends, foster children, and a daycare she ran, the house was always filled with children, many of whom became life-long friends. It was here in Kennewick, WA where Rachel Dawn and Mishawn were born. While in California they started discussions with LDS missionaries and continued them in Kennewick with Glenn Corbally. They chose to be baptized on Feb. 3, 1968 and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 4th, 1970. Carol quickly found her place within the church using her vast skills working with children by serving as Primary President for many years. She also discovered a new passion in genealogy, working at the genealogy library in Richland, where she loved to help other people with their research. She was also able to use her love of the outdoors by serving the Young Women at Girl's Camp for several years. In her 60s, Carol even spent 18-months serving on a Genealogy Mission in Salt Lake City. Carol found joy in serving her community by volunteering at the elementary schools, Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Library, and election sites. She spent time visiting the sick and elderly, ensuring they were well cared for. Carol's later years were plagued with health challenges, which highlighted her resilient nature. She battled through viral encephalitis, losing many years of memory and having to relearn to read among other daily activities. Carol beat cancer not once, but twice, and overcame diabetes during her recovery. She then survived a car accident and brain brain surgery, once again having to relearn daily activities. Throughout these challenges, Carol continued to love spending time with (and bragging about) her large family, beating everyone at cards, and reading any book she could get her hands on. In her last few years, Carol enjoyed making new friends and going on bus rides at Royal Columbian Retirement Inn. Carol is survived by, Jimmy (Toby) Swanger, Ina (Rich), Kaden, Alexa, Ethan Beutler, Jake (Lisa) Cassie, Gabby Swanger, Jordan Swanger, Jaden (Luke) Nielson; Karen (Russ) Swanger, Krissy (Brian) Swanger Tost; Pete (Leah) Swanger, Shaylee (Joseph) Meacham, Alisha (Marc) Tori, Sera, Sean Bready, Valerie (Deann) Swanger, Dustin Swanger; Diana (Matt) Newman, Tyler (Kaylin) Clara, Corban, Newman, Kassi (Jason) Jace, Kade Weinbender, Dexter (Kelli) Newman; Rachel (Ron), Chance, Bentley (Elyssa), Karizma, Landan, Michaela, Naomi Jensen; Mishawn (Jared), Lauryn, Nikelle, Abrielle Hess. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Swanger, her parents Bun and Goldie Hambrook, sisters Jacqueline Hambrook and Donna Bell. Carol will be laid to rest next to Jim in the Riverside Cemetery in Ione, Washington. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Carol loved helping others, in lieu of flowers or in her memory please consider donating to one of Carol's passions: Chaplaincy Hospice or LDS Church Philanthropies or Royal Columbian Retirement Inn Employee Fund Click here to watch video