Terrall Leonard Swart (known as Terry or TL), age 80, of Grinnell, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Swedish Hospital, in Colorado. Terry was born on February 6, 1944, in Colby, KS, to Leonard and Elizabeth (Schurr) Swart. Terry graduated from Grinnell High School.
On January 29, 1964, Terry married the love of his life, Karol Kruse, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Oakley. They met at the Dairy King in Oakley, where Karol worked while attending Oakley High School. They lived a wonderful life together on the Swart Ranch, located 20 miles south of Grinnell. Leonard and Terry owned Swart Trucking but sold all but one semi to Mitten’s when Terry and Karol started a family. They were blessed with two children, daughter Amy and son Terrall, who loved growing up in rural Gove County on the ranch.
Running a ranch was a family affair, as Leonard, Elizabeth, Terry, Karol and the kids all ran the operation. They started with pigs. After having to butcher the last stubborn sow on the ranch, they started a cow and calf herd, ran a fat cattle feedlot, had horses, and the kids raised bucket calves. They farmed raising corn and wheat crops.
Terry and Karol made their dream house plans become a reality when their new house was built in 1975, smack dab on the hill in their pasture. Terry called it “God’s Country” and some of his ashes were returned to the ranch, so that he can forever enjoy “God's Country”. His wisdom will continue to guide the third generation in preserving and protecting Swart Ranch so that it will remain in the family for generations to come.
After Amy and Terrall were grown, Terry and Karol worked together at Warren’s IGA, along with running the ranch. Karol attended truck driving school, then her and Terry team drove a semi for Barnett Trucking, all over the country, coast to coast. This allowed them to travel and see many states.
Terrall blessed Terry and Karol with three grandchildren, their first grandson, Jason, and twin granddaughters, Ashley and Emily. Ane then came the great grandchildren, Mia and Chelsey Reyes (ages 12 and 9) and Baylor and Eili Chartier (9 and 8).
Terry’s life passion was farming and ranching. He taught Amy and Terrall many life lessons growing up on the ranch. Terry loved driving semis and wheat trucks. He continued driving, helping Brian Ottley until Karol’s health deteriorated. Terry loved country music, especially George Strait, and eating BEEF that he’d raised. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. If you’re a farmer, you’re a born gambler! Terry also loved going to the casinos to play craps. Terry put his whole life into Swart Ranch. But he did allow himself one luxury, a new RED pickup.
Terry is survived by his children, Amy (Larry) Smith, of Dodge City, Terrall (Stephanie) Swart, of Hays; grandchildren, Jason Swart, Ashely (Josh) Chartier and Emily (Gustavo) Reyes, all of Hays, and great grandchildren, Baylor and Eli Chartier and Mia and Chelsey Reyes. Upon Terrall’s marriage to Stephanie, Terry gained more grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryder) Eakin, Hays and Paige (Alex) Nuss, of Hutchison, and great grandchildren, Callie, Carson and Caylor Eakin and Easton and Beckett Nuss. He is also survived by his aunt Geraldine (Lintel) Swart, of Grinnell; many Swart cousins; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lanny Hockersmith, Rodney (Mary Lou) Kruse, Butch (Cheri) Kruse, Connie Evans, Berny (Missy) Kruse, Janice Wilkening, and Robert (Chan) Kruse; and 25 nieces and nephews and their families.
Terry was preceded in death by his wife Karol, just six months ago; his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth (Schurr) Swart; grandparents, Henry and Madeline Swart and Martin and Barbara Schurr; in-laws, Ralph and Armella Kruse; sister-in-law Marilyn Hockersmith, brother-in-law, Rod Wilkening; sister Connie (Dennis) Dawson and an infant son Paul.
A graveside service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Oakley with lunch to follow at the Oakley Country Club. Memorials may be made to NWKareS Hospice and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com