Kerwin Sue Christian

Kerwin Sue Christian of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away after a long illness on December 12, 2023. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 9, 1945 to the late Kermit Syrus Swanson and Helen Louise Carlson Swanson.

Keri graduated from Benson High school in Omaha, Nebraska. She attended the University of Wyoming where she met and later married her husband Chris. They settled in Nampa, Idaho once he completed his veterinary degree and lived there for 31 years, raising three children. She went on to receive her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from Boise State University.

Keri spent her career working in the chemical dependency treatment industry. She started as a counselor, then moved into leadership roles and later founded a corporation to develop contracts with hospitals and government agencies to establish and manage alcohol, drug, and mental health treatment centers. Her work truly turned countless lives around.

Keri had a passion for children's charities, whether through fundraising efforts or volunteering, she sought to be a powerful voice for those who needed it most. She was also a member of the hospital Auxiliary and PEO. When her husband passed away, she moved to Phoenix to be closer to family. Not ready to retire, she worked as a concierge for the Biltmore hotel, where she created a history program that later included private tour packages and a speakeasy within the hotel. The legendary 90-minute tour continues today. Keri was also a member of the Reach to Recovery program, where breast cancer survivors make contact with those who have been recently diagnosed, offering support and resources. In 2012, Keri was awarded top volunteer by the American Cancer Society for her outstanding service.

Keri was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Chris L Christian. She is survived by her children, Barbara Blythe Wimmer (Christopher), Eric Thomas Christian (Tracy) and Jennifer Sue Gammons (Ernest); her grandchildren, Larissa Blythe Scott (Jordan), McKenna Sue Cross (Brian), Johnathan Thomas Christian, Christian Reid Gammons and Katherine Suzanne Gammons; and her sister-in-law, Mikell Christian.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service to be held at Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Avenue South, Nampa, ID 83651 on Friday, December 22nd at 11am with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her caregivers, Tess and Arnel Regino and all her wonderful friends who provided support over the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Keri’s memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Nampa.