Catherine Lorraine "Katie" Sweat, 82, of Idaho Falls, died September 2, 2007, at Lost River Nursing Home in Arco from complications of cancer.
She was born Aug. 25, 1925 to LaFell Hamblin Edwards and Marjorie Catherine Justesen Edwards in Carey, Idaho. She attended schools in Muldoon and Boise, and graduated from Carey High School as salutatorian of her class.
On Feb. 27, 1943, she married Milford Sweat in Carey (on a dare), a marriage that lasted for 64 years. They started married life in Rio Tino, Nev., then farmed in Richfield and Carey. In 1950, they followed construction work, living in Washington, Montana, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, New Mexico and Florida. Between construction jobs, they always returned to Idaho. Katie always planted a large garden, even if she wasn't there to harvest it.
In 1962, they came back to Idaho and bought out her parents' Huff Creek Ranch near Carey, and farmed and raised cattle for the next 41 years.
Katie was active in the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) and served as secretary for the Dairy Association. She joined the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and attended College of Southern Idaho and received college credits.
She belonged to the Church of God. Katie enjoyed gardening, farming, pinochle, cooking and especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. For the past two and a half years she lived in Ammon, Idaho, due to ill health.
Survivors include her son, M. Douglas (Darlene) Sweat, of Fairbanks, Alaska; daughter Bonnie C. (Jess) Kevicki, of Ammon; daughter Barbara L. (Randy) Murphy, of Carey; sister Verda O'Crowley, of Carey; brother Carl Edwards, of Grangeville, Idaho; brother Lee Edwards, of Genesee, Idaho; 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, D. Leslie Sweat; her parents; brothers Vernon and Deloy Edwards; and a sister, O'leah Lutnick.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at the Carey LDS 2nd Ward on Main Street. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:15 a.m. prior to the services at the church.
Burial will be in the Carey Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, Box 51434, Idaho Falls, ID 83405-1434. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
