OBITUARY

Jodi Rae Swearingen of Arnold, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was fifty-six years old.

Jodi was born on December 17, 1969, in Sullivan, Missouri, the daughter of James Edward Wideman and Carolyn Mae Wideman (née Love). From a young age, Jodi had a light about her—an infectious laugh, a quick wit, and a presence that filled a room. Many described her as the life of the party, someone who could bring people together effortlessly and make everyone feel welcome.

She was blessed with two children early in life, who were the center of her world. On July 14, 2012, Jodi married the love of her life, Lance Keith Swearingen, and together they blended their families into one, bound by love, laughter, and shared memories. Jodi is survived by her devoted husband, Lance Swearingen of Arnold, MO; her children, Sydney Swearingen of Arnold, MO; Makenzie Wall and her significant other, Chad Hopkins, of Arnold, MO; and Luke Wall and his fiancé, Aaliyah Kuelker, of Herculaneum, MO. She is also survived by her sisters, Amy Dobelmann and husband Eric of New Haven, MO, and Jamie Strubberg and husband Ed of Union, MO.

She leaves behind her father-in-law, Crow Swearingen and wife Roxanne of Lesterville, MO; siblings-in-law Joel Swearingen of Lesterville, MO, and April Swearingen of Farmington, MO; step-brother-in-law Josh Nagle and wife Robin of Farmington, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, one great-niece, one great-nephew, one great-great-nephew, cousins, and countless friends who loved her deeply.

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents, James Wideman and Carolyn Straatmann, and her step-brother-in-law, Jason Nagle.

Jodi was a Christian and attended New Hope Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. She especially loved taking her grandmother to church, a simple act that reflected her caring heart. She worked for Chrysler Corporation for approximately ten years and later in a medical office. Jodi loved music and concerts—especially Sammy Hagar—and she found joy in simple pleasures like gardening and mowing the lawn. She loved being on the water, whether boating or floating, and cherished spending time outdoors. But above all else, family meant everything to her. Time together, shared laughter, and meaningful moments were what she treasured most.

A kind, loving, and joyful wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, cousin, and treasured friend, Jodi will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Her laughter, her warmth, and her ability to light up a room will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with Bryan Love officiating. A private interment will take place at New Chapel Hill Cemetery in Sullivan, MO. Memorials may be made to The Collins House in Festus, MO.