Sharon Lee McSwain

Sharon Lee McSwain was born October 24th, 1941, to Elva Oletha (Weinrich) and Ray Edgar Rexford in Rochester, Minnesota. The family moved to Merced, California in 1956. There she met her husband Russell Paul McSwain. They married on her parents’ anniversary on January 18, 1960. They bought their first home in 1961 prior to the birth of their daughter, Jodi Jane. In 1963 John Paul was born, and in 1965 Jordan Thomas was born.

Sharon dedicated her life to caring for others, both in her professional role as a medical office manager and through her personal commitments. She was a proud Girl Scout Leader and an active member of the First Christian Church, where she not only worshipped but also took joy in writing the weekly bulletin, planning social events, and singing in the choir. She was an avid bowler for many years, and enjoyed cheering for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at their sporting events.

A pillar of strength and love, Sharon was the beloved mother of Jodi Camp, John McSwain, and Jordan McSwain. She also played a significant role in the upbringing of Robert Stoker and Ray Rexford III. Her nurturing spirit extended to her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, for whom she was a guiding light and a source of unconditional love.

Sharon was the eldest of nine siblings, a role she embraced with grace and responsibility. She is survived by her brothers Ray Rexford and Michael Rexford, and her sisters Sandra Rogers and Candy Wrzesinski. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Russell McSwain, her parents Ray Rexford Sr. and Elva Rexford, her sisters Sue Doyel and Deborah Coleman, and her brothers Robert Rexford and Theodore Rexford.

Sharon’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. She was known as a mother to all who needed one, offering her home and heart to countless individuals over the years. Her legacy of kindness, devotion, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In the last years and months of her life, the love and care that she provided to others was willingly provided for her by many members of the family, but especially by her granddaughter, Christan McSwain.

A service to celebrate Sharon’s life will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on June 11th, 2024. The family invites all to attend her services. A reception will be held prior to the services at 11:00 a.m. Services begin at 1:00 p.m. with a procession to Plainsburg Cemetery thereafter.

Sharon Lee McSwain will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she touched throughout her remarkable life.