Sharla Lorraine Swope, 57, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on September 2, 2026. Sharla was born March 9, 1969, in Manhattan, Kansas. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on October 10, 2026, at Fellowship Kansas City, 7310 NW Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO 64152.
From an early age, Sharla carried a steady devotion to the people and pursuits she loved, meeting each season of life with quiet determination and a willingness to step forward into new challenges. That same spirit—both diligent and boldly curious—could be seen in the many ways she learned, worked, and gave of herself.
Sharla attended Winnetonka High, where she played bass in orchestra, band, and jazz band. She later attended the University of Central Missouri (then CMSU), taking classes to advance her musical knowledge and playing in both the orchestra and marching band—continuing to build on a gift that remained close to her throughout her life.
A hard-working leader with a strong sense of responsibility, Sharla took great pride in her role as the CEO of a vitamin and supplement company. She approached her work with focus and perseverance, bringing care and commitment to what she built and sustained. She put her all into every day and always strived to reach new heights.
Sharla married Leo Swope, and together they had two children, Zach and Thomas. Her devotion to family was evident in the constancy of her love and the strength of her presence, a steady foundation for those closest to her. Sharla also loved animals, having several pets and being a passionate animal welfare advocate.
Sharla’s favorite thing to do was play her bass, a lifelong passion that was often limited by circumstance. Though she wasn't always able to make her own music as much as she'd like, she never lost any of her joy or passion and would enjoy music in any way she could. She was also crafty and creative—she loved to paint and make decorative wreaths, and she was an excellent home cook and baker, sharing comfort and care through the things she made with her hands. As a child, she had enjoyed playing softball and hitting balls out of the park, and she remained active in recreational leagues when she could.
Faith also shaped Sharla’s life over the years. She attended several churches, beginning at Glenwood Baptist Church, then Noland Road Church, followed by Shoal Creek Community Church, and later settling at Fellowship Kansas City alongside her son, Thomas.
Sharla is survived by her mother, Marla Blackburn; her father, Steven Blackburn; her sons, Zachary Swope and Thomas Swope; her brother, Christopher Blackburn, and his wife, Denise; Christopher's children, Jacob, Joshua, and Sarah; Sharla's sister, Nicole Blackburn; Nicole's daughter, Joann; and many friends who will deeply miss her.
Sharla was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Joan Blackburn and Virginia Strifler; her grandfather, Lemoyne Blackburn; her father-in-law, Ivan "Bear" Baker; and her mother-in-law, Olga Baker.
Memorial contributions in Sharla's name may be made to The Blue Lips Foundation by mailing your donation to 3201 163rd Street, Urbandale, Iowa 50323, or visiting BlueLipsFoundation.org/donate/.
To leave memories of Sharla or express your condolences to her family, please visit ChurchArcherPasley.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Church Archer Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000.
