Emily was born on February 9, 1947, in Grinnell, Iowa to Dale and Opal McConnell Swatosh. She was raised in Brooklyn and graduated from BGM High School with the Class of 1965. She worked in several food services, including the dietary department of Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Emily was a former member of the Grace United Methodist Church of Brooklyn and the F.H.A. She enjoyed listening to music, camping, fishing and solving crossword puzzles. The most important mission in her life was being a mother and grandmother. Survivors include her children, Stacy Butler and Steven Lowe Jr, both of Grinnell and Sheri Ellis of Marshalltown; ten step children; forty grandchildren; several great grandchildren; two brothers, Duane Swatosh of Webb City, MO and Claire Swatosh of Carterville, MO; and two sisters, Joyce Swatosh of Grinnell and Cindy Powell of Webb City, MO. She was preceded in death two both of her husbands, Steven Lowe and Lawrence Kephart, her parents; one brother, Billy; and one sister, Judith. Memorials may be directed to the Emily Kephart Memorial Fund and sent in care of Stacy Butler, 512 First Avenue, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.