Dr. Judyth A. Swingen, Professor emerita

Judyth Swingen (nee’ Kenney), aged 78 passed away Sunday, February 4th in Little Rock, AR. She was born October 6, 1945 in Petaluma, CA to William O. Kenney and Esther Pelham Kenney and was raised in California and Iowa. She married Richard Swingen on June 27, 1971 in Platteville, WI. 

Judyth had a long and successful career with many accolades. Her first BS and MS in Music Education were earned from the WSU-Platteville in 1966 and 1968 respectively. In 1971 she began her 2nd career that continued up-to her retirement in accounting and taxation by earning her BS and MS in accounting from UW-Whitewater. She also received her Wisconsin CPA certificate in 1980 and in 1984 she earned her PhD in accounting and taxation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She shared her wisdom with students in her 30+ career as a college professor at universities in Wisconsin, Iowa, New York, Florida and Arkansas. 

Judyth and her husband Richard were adventurous and avid travelers. She was able to travel to all 7 continents and numerous countries. As recently as the summer of 2023, Judyth and Richard visited the North Pole for the 3rd time. 

Judyth was a member of ensembles in the Little Rock area and enjoyed playing the euphonium and trombone with the band members. She was also enjoyed participating in the annual Madison Early Music Festival and contributing the sounds of a sackbut. 

Judyth is survived by her husband, Richard Swingen, sister Phyllis Peterson-Underwood, brother David Kenney and many other family and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents. 

There will be a memorial service on Thursday, February 15th at 10am at First Baptist Church in Maumelle. There will be a private ceremony in Madison, WI at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Judyth’s name to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. https://www.arkansassymphony.org/give-support/

Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72206. (501) 758-1170. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.