Hattie Swapp, 70, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 23, 2026, in Hurricane, Utah. Born on March 11, 1956, in Kanab, Utah, Hattie was the fourth daughter and fifth child of James Mark and RuAnna Judd Swapp. Deeply rooted in the red rock country of southern Utah and northern Arizona, she carried the grit, resilience, and fierce independence of her heritage.
Above all else, Hattie had an immense, open-hearted capacity for connection—she genuinely loved every single person she came into contact with, believing in spreading kindness wherever she went. She possessed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the wider world, always eager to learn about others and welcome them without pretense. Her love of food was central to how she nurtured those around her; through her many years in the dietary department at Kane County Hospital and at her own table, she believed that sharing a meal was one of the purest expressions of care and community.
As a mother, she was a relentless shield and anchor for her family through every season of hardship, facing life with raw endurance and an unforgettable, sharp sense of humor. When her son Josey passed in 2021, his memorial and interment of ashes were postponed so that she could be there with him; today, they are finally reunited, at peace together once more.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James “Mark” and RuAnna Judd Swapp; her stepfather, Eldred “Ed” Swapp; her sister Zina and husband Clyne Broderick; her brother Bain and wife Jessalyn Swapp; her former husband, Glenn David Eslick; and her beloved son, Josey Jay Eslick.
Hattie is survived by her sisters, Chryel Swapp and Jan Dixon; her children, Anisa and Kris Kaiser, Judd Eslick, and Glenda Davis; her grandchildren, Temri, Tristan, Julian, and Harley; her great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Winter, and Bonnie; and countless extended family members, neighbors, and friends whose lives were brightened by her warmth, laughter, and generous spirit.
There will be a graveside service August 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM (UT Time) at Kanab Cemetery, followed by a gathering, with place and time announced at service. Arrnagements were made with Mosdell Mortuary of Kanab.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bruce H. Hansen Stone Quarries for the generous donation of her headstone, and to Zion’s Way Hospice and Hurricane Health and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to assist family with remaining mortuary costs, cemetery opening costs, and custom engraving of the headstone. They may be made to any of the following places:
Mosdell Mortuary directly at (435) 644-2214, 676 So. HWY 89A, Kanab, Utah 84741,
Venmo: @Remembering_JoseyandJerra
Cash App: $akaiser1988
Zelle: 435-689-0251 (Anisa Kaiser)
https://mosdellmortuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hattie-Swapp.mp3
Hattie was one of my first friends when I moved to Kanab in 1994. She has remained a good friend ever since. I will miss her and her funny sense of humor, her hugs and smiles. I’m so grateful I got to see her on the 12th. We were able to tell each other that wee loved each other and she told me how grateful she was to see me. It was wonderful and sad to visit with her at the open house. Yet still happy we had some laughs and smiles together one last time. I’ll love you Hattie and miss you forever! Until we see each other again.