BARBARA JEAN SWINGLE

Barbara Jean Swingle 79, of Lodi, CA passed away at Lodi Memorial Hospital on Tuesday 2/6/18, with her children, grandchildren, family and friends by her side. Born on February 15, 1938 in Oakland California to Carl and Jackie Norris. Barbara was the eldest child and grandchild in her Bender and Norris families. Family Reunions, picnics, parties and gatherings were extremely important to Barbara starting at a very young age. Barbara was the babysitter, mentor and friend to her younger sisters and cousins. Parents Carl and Jackie instilled the love of family and entertaining to Barbara which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. No one ever left her home hungry or without feeling like they were part of the family. Barbara loved unconditionally. In 1947 Barbara moved to Elvins, MO at the age of 9, growing up in the “Lead Belt”. Barbara Graduated from Elvins High School in 1956; attended Flat River Junior College in 1957. Barbara started working for Pacific Bell and moved back to California to live with her Bender cousins and family. Barbara’s family joined her in California soon after her move.

In 1962, Barbara met and married Clifton Swingle and raised a boisterous family. There was never a dull moment in the Swingle household, raising 4 children and a husband. Barbara taught her children the art of “character building” which came with each difficult life moment. Barbara’s strength was solid as a rock. Her children never saw her shed a tear. The household was the neighborhood hub for the many friends of her children. Many felt her love and referred to her as “Mom”. Barbara was also proud of her Lodi Memorial Hospital Family. Four generations of her family worked for LMH including her mother, sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins and grandchildren. Working for LMH for 31 years in the Nursing department as a CNA, Ward Clerk

and Scheduling Coordinator. Barbara’s compassion for her friends and coworkers was immense. Everyone would think twice before calling in sick or playing hooky on her watch. Barbara retired in 1999 and volunteered for many organizations and clubs.

Barbara was a servant of the Lord volunteering for many worthy causes: Delta Blood Bank, Loel Center, American Cancer Society, Eagles Auxiliary, Seniors With A Purpose at Vinewood Community Church; mentoring elementary students and high school students at LUSD. Barbara was active Charter member of Native Daughters of the Golden West, Zinfandel 337. She served as Marshal and Trustee and numerous fundraising events for local and statewide charities. Barbara was passionate about fair and equal treatment of all people, history and serving the community was evident in her everyday life. Barbara was an avid sports Mom and Grandma, she loved attending football, softball, basketball games and tennis matches of all of her kids. Baseball was in her blood watching Oakland A’s and the Cardinals with her Dad and family was a pastime favorite.

She will be dearly missed by all. Preceding her in death are parents: Carl and Jackie Norris, husband Clifton Swingle, 1st husband Jerry Nicholson. Surviving: Sons Jim Swingle (Anne) Scott Swingle, Daughters: Denise Mercado, Karen Gonzales (Ernie). Many Grandchildren who were all her Tootsie Lootsies or Pootsie Lootsies: Vincent Ruiz, Staci Ruiz, Natalie Gonzales, Anastasia Gonzales, Spenser Swingle(Genelyn), Shaun Swingle (Brandie), Mikey Mercado, Kimo Mercado, Amanda Mercado. Great Grands: Haislie Swingle, Zayden Swingle, and Jaclyn Ruiz. Sisters: Carla Grauman (Gerald), Julie Shellcross (Wayne) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made towards a meditation bench in her name at Lodi Lake, Native Daughters of the Golden West Zinfandel 337 Home, Lighthouse, or Pennies for Pines projects; Ronald McDonald House, or the charity of your choice. Viewing on Thursday 2/15/18 from 2:004:00 pm for family, 4:00-8:00 pm for the public at Vineyard Chapel. Join the family for a Celebration of Life Service on Friday 2/16/18 at 1:00 pm Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, graveside service to follow. Reception following at the Eagle’s Hall in Lodi.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.