Vanessa Swearengin, age 67, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. Vanessa was born to Jerry R. Huff and Edna Yvonne Hamilton on June 7, 1958, in Lubbock, Texas. She was raised in Sparta, Missouri, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1976. She was united in marriage to Kevin Swearengin on April 18, 1987, in Rogersville, Missouri. Kevin and Vanessa shared 38 beautiful years together and were blessed with three children.
Vanessa retired early to pursue her passion of supporting her family. She had many interests and pastimes including painting, reading, traveling, church ministry, and watching the Hallmark Channel. Nothing, however, brought her more fulfillment than spending time with her family and going on mission trips to Mexico. Vanessa will be remembered as a faithful servant of the Lord, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend. She was often described by others as compassionate, kind-hearted, humble, and selfless. She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and unwavering faithfulness.
Vanessa was preceded in death by her father, Jerry; brother, Andrew; and grandchildren, Aubrey and baby S. She is survived by her husband, Kevin; children: Kristin Cieluch and her husband Josh and their children, Samantha, Tyler, and Dallas; Heather Swearengin and her children Skailynn, Nathan, Christian, and Andrew; and Jared Swearengin and his wife, Jessica and their children, Evelyn, Isabella, and Oakley.
A Celebration of Life for Vanessa will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, 1:00 pm, at Calvary Baptist Church in Republic, Missouri. A visitation will be held before the Celebration of Life from 12:00-1:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow at West Finley Cemetery in Fordland, Missouri. There will be a procession from the church to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Vanessa’s memory to Greene County Baptist Association: Mexico/Huichol Missions.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, MO.