Jodi Rae Swearingen, 56, of Arnold died Jan. 7, 2026, at her home. Mrs. Swearingen worked for Chrysler Corp. for 10 years and later worked in a medical office. She was a Christian and attended New Hope Baptist Church in Sullivan. She enjoyed listening to music and attending concerts, especially Sammy Hagar, gardening, mowing the lawn and being outdoors. She also enjoyed being on the water, either boating or floating. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends, especially taking her grandmother to church. She was known for her infectious laugh, quick wit and was described as the life of the party. She will be remembered for her warmth and her ability to light up a room and bring people together. Born Dec. 17, 1969, in Sullivan, she was the daughter of the late James Edward and Carolyn Mae (Love) Straatmann.
She is survived by her husband: Lance Swearingen of Arnold, whom she married on July 14, 2012; four children: Sydney Swearingen of Arnold, Makenzie (significant other Chad Hopkins) Wall of Arnold, Luke (fiancee Aaliyah Kuelker) Wall of Herculaneum; two sisters: Amy (Eric) Dobelmann of New Haven and Jamie (Ed) Strubberg of Union; her father-in-law: Crow (Roxanne) Swearingen of Lesterville; two siblings-in-law: Joel Swearingen of Lesterville and April Swearingen of Farmington; a step-brother-in-law: Josh (Robin) Nagle of Farmington; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a step-brother-in-law: Jason Nagle.
Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home, 530 E. Springfield Road, in St. Clair, officiated by Bryan Love. Burial will be private in New Chapel Cemetery in Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the Collins House, 102 Collins Drive, in Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Russell Colonial Funeral Home.