Kathleen Sue Swindell of Carbondale

Kathleen Sue Swindell passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025 at the age of 75.

She was born Sept. 9, 1949, in Milford, Ill., the daughter of Russell and Ruth (Decker) Bury. She Married Joe Swindell on Feb. 14, 1983. They celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on Feb. 14, 2025.

Kathy grew up in Milford and then moved to Wellington, Ill., when her mother remarried after her father passed away. Her new father was a wonderful man, Harry Leverenz of Wellington. Kathy attended high school in Wellington, and then went on to college to get a degree in education. Kathy taught grade school in Milford until 1979 when she moved to Carbondale. She went to SIU in Carbondale and earned her masters and then doctorate degree. She taught high school for seven years in Tamaroa, and then started working at SIU in international education. Kathy became the coordinator of SIU’s Japan campus until retirement in 2006. Kathy was a member of First United Methodist Church of Carbondale, where she and Joe have been members longer than they can remember.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother; stepfather Harry; and three older brothers, Lee Bury, Dale Bury and Joe Bury. Kathy and Joe had no children, but lots of wonderful nieces, nephews and their children.

Kathy is survived by her husband Joe.

Kathy had requested no formal funeral service. A private inurnment will be held at Murdale Gardens of Memory.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale.

The cremation of Kathleen Sue Swindell will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home.

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit crainsonline.com.