Abby Catherine (Barnes) Swygard, age 51, of Olathe, Kansas, was graciously called home and gloriously made like her Lord and Savior when she saw Him face to face after passing away from cancer in her residence on Sunday, May 24, 2026. She took her final breath just moments after her husband finished reading Ephesians to her while also holding her hand.
Born on October 10, 1974, in Denver, Colorado, Abby is the beloved daughter of Christopher and Catherine Barnes. She graduated from George Washington High School in Denver, completing the International Baccalaureate program, and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Evansville in Indiana.
Abby lived a life of deep faith and generosity. As God poured His life into her, she in turn poured her life into others. She served as a missionary, devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood, and was a passionate Classical Conversations tutor and director. She also loved cheering loudly for the track athletes at Christ Prep Academy, learning their names and encouraging them with her whole heart. A devoted member of Kirk of the Way, she was known for her wisdom and insight during Bible studies and prayer times. She found great joy in quilting, trivia, travel, sharing stories, and spending time with children — especially her own. Known for striving for excellence in all she did, Abby’s greatest passion was pointing others toward a deep, personal faith in Jesus Christ. Her encouragement and love for the Lord left a lasting legacy in everyone she knew.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jeremy Swygard; her children, Christopher, Corrie, Aletheia, and Justin; her mother-in-law, Linda Swygard of Overland Park, KS; her brother- and sister-in-law, Lucas and Chitra Swygard, and their children James and David of Richmond, VA; her parents, Christopher and Catherine Barnes of Denver, CO; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Tom Li, and their children Madison and Sofie of Centennial, CO; and many other dear family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Kenneth Swygard.
A visitation will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 9333 W 159th St, Overland Park, KS 66221, US, on June 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at the same location from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Interment will take place at D.W. Newcomers Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 Black bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062, US, on June 6, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
Folks can give to Redeemer for hosting the service:
https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerpresbyterianchurch
Or they can give to Kirk of the Way Presbyterian Church:
Venmo Handle = @KOTW2021
