Sharon L. Swanson
( May 31, 1959 – July 31, 2024 )
Shalom! Sharon L. Swanson (Embrey) met her Lord and Savior on July 31, 2024. Sharon was born on May 31, 1959 in Omaha, NE. She was the daughter of Mary Ann and Jack Valentine, both deceased. Sharon was raised in Raton, NM where she graduated from Raton High School in 1977. Shortly after graduation she married Murray Swanson, Sr. Together they share 3 children, Murray Jr, Nathaniel, and Ashley. During this time she held various jobs to include Frito Lay and New Vistas. Although the couple divorced and went their separate ways, they remained cordial and good friends creating a blended family unit.
Sharon possessed an amazing work ethic that she was proud to have shared with her children. She was diligent, focused, and had a love for learning. After many long years of night school Sharon finally graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Her teaching career was split between The New Mexico Boys School in Springer, Des Moine Schools and Maxwell Municipal Schools. During her time as a Special Education Teacher and Administrator Sharon touched many young lives. She was an active participant in her students learning and was always willing to volunteer for school events and activities.
In 2019 she retired from Maxwell Schools and began her new journey in life. She made time to travel and visit her children and grandchildren, hitting the lake on the family boat, spending time with friends, mastering the art of Jigsaw Puzzles, and developing a relationship with God. Sharon became a member of the Light House Church. She was one to welcome those at Hungry Hearts, Family Tent Meeting, and the Hunger Pantry with a smiling face and a hug. She would take her time to get to know people and was thoughtful and genuine in her acts of kindness.
If you ever came to a time in your life and asked, “Who could I call for that?” Sharon was probably first on your list. She was an open ear, with an abundance of knowledge and if she didn’t know she would research it diligently before speaking. She placed family and friends above everything else in her life and cherished everything they did. She was so proud of all her children and grandchildren and if you asked about any of them, she was delighted to share stories and show you photos. No matter what any of them where doing she kept abreast of each of them.
Sharon rose with the sun! You could find her sitting out on her porch with her dog, cup of coffee and cigarette in hand, listening to the wind chimes, and enjoying the stillness of the world. On Mondays she was on “Lillianna duty”—a “job” that she enjoyed tremendously. As with all her grandkids, she enjoyed executing little arts and crafts with the intention of them each having their own little keep’s sake for years to come. She also spent several years caring for her mother, with visits over morning coffee and Sunday lunches which they both looked forward to.
Sharon is survived by her sister Rebecca Rusciolelli (Dan) of Arizona. Her half brother Nicholas Wylie of Texas. Her children Murray Swanson Jr. of Colorado, Nathaniel Swanson of New Mexico, and Ashley Meidinger (Travis) of Montana. Her grandchildren Marcos Swanson of New Mexico, Denise Montoya of New Mexico, and Kyson Meidinger of Montana. Her nephews Eric Rusciolelli and David Rusciolelli both of Arizona.
Services for Sharon will be held at a later date at the Light House Church. As Sharon would say “Thank You Jesus!”
Arrangements for Sharon L. Swanson are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
