Margaret Elizabeth Knopp Swearingen passed away on August 17, 2026. She was born to Orville and Thelma (Houlton) Knopp on August 10, 1951, in Junction City, KS.
Survivors include her brother, Clayton (Cindy) Knopp of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter Deb (Ron) Hustus; sons Ray (Rachelle) Swearingen and Brian (Emily) Swearingen; stepson Gerald (Nachee) Ridgeway; stepdaughter Rachel Ridgeway; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Thelma Knopp, and her brother, Kevin Knopp.
Margaret was devoted to her friends and family. She had a gift for cooking a good meal and enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her dogs. She spent decades driving a school bus and served on the school board for a term or two, always looking to help out and be involved whenever she was needed. She was a loving and tolerant mother, raising five children and all the friends that came with them. Her home was always open. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5–8 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS 67401. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Mount Hope Cemetery, 987 Mink Rd., Enterprise, KS, just south of Enterprise on Highway 43. Following the service, friends and family can gather for a memorial service and lunch at the Abilene Senior Center, 100 N. Elm St., Abilene, KS, from noon–1 p.m.