Kathy Wood

Kathy (Swearingen) Wood, age 73 of Marshalltown, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Southridge Specialty Care.

Born Kathy Lorrene Swearingen on July 23, 1951 in Marshalltown, the daughter of Howard and Ruby (Fitzgerald) Swearingen. She attended Marshalltown Public Schools.

On February 23, 1970, Kathy was united in marriage with Paul Tomlinson. From this union, two daughters were welcomed: Tanya and Lisa. The couple later divorced.

Kathy was a stay at home mom for several years, cherishing the time with her girls. Kathy went back to school in the 1980’s to earn her GED. After raising her daughters, she worked at Hardee’s for nearly 10 years, Ben Franklin, and alongside her sister Nancy at her rubber stamp shop in Marshalltown. Later in life she became a caregiver to her partner, Harlan, as he battled health issues.

Kathy was a social butterfly, she was always happy to visit with those around her and share a joke or two. She enjoyed reading, writing letters, jigsaw puzzles, and collecting Mickey Mouse items. In her younger years, she enjoyed cross-stitching and watching races at the Marshalltown Speedway. Kathy loved getting her nails done and was quite a chocoholic (even though she was diabetic). In recent months, as Kathy’s health had declined, she leaned into hymns and music for comfort and peace.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Ruby; her sisters, Nancy (George) Jones and Sandy (Carroll) Fetters; and her dear friend and partner, Harlan Warden. Left to cherish her memory are: her daughters, Tanya (Eric) Riepe of Boulder Creek, California and Lisa (Loren) Wagaman of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Haley Steffen of St. Thomas, PA and Raven Steffen of Western Port, Maryland; nephews, Mike and Ron Pickett; along with several friends at Southridge Specialty Care.

Per Kathy’s wishes, cremation rites will take place. A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Kathy’s family for later designation.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Kathy and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.