Sharon Marie Troxel Emerson Swihart, 80, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at home on Christmas Day. Sharon was born February 16, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Harriet Marie Headley and Robert W. Troxel, who were relocated by US Steel for the war effort. The family returned to Valparaiso when she was two. She attended Cooks Corners Elementary, Central Junior High, and was a proud member of the Valparaiso High School Class of 1963. At 48, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business and Accounting with Distinction from Purdue North Central.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 35 years, childhood friend, and fellow VHS 1963 graduate, Lt. Colonel Thomas Swihart, USMC (Ret.); her daughter, Christa M. Emerson (Brian Foutch); son, Robert W. (Beth) Emerson; grandsons: Troy (Katie) Borlick and Kade Borlick; granddaughters: Iris and Hazel Emerson; niece, Carol Croft (Dan Killingbeck); stepdaughters: Amanda (Rob) Thibault and A’Lisa Swihart; step-granddaughter, Makayla Rodriguez; and other loved relatives and cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Roberta Croft; and former spouse, James L. Emerson.
Sharon’s exemplary career in public service began in 1965 at the Valparaiso Police Department, where she worked as a radio dispatcher and secretary to Chief of Police Lee “Ed” Miller and the Detective Department. She then served seven years as Chief Deputy Clerk for the Porter County Superior Court. In 1983, Sharon was appointed to complete the term of the retiring City Clerk-Treasurer, a position she was elected to unopposed eight consecutive times and held for 37 years. She served alongside five mayors and numerous city council members in a dedicated, nonpartisan manner. She managed and invested the city’s funds, served on the Board of Public Works, preserved and digitized historic records, and made countless contributions to the city she loved.
Active in local politics from her 20s, Sharon was a respected matriarch in the Porter County Republican Party, a Rotarian, Elder at First Presbyterian Church, and a past board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. In 2004, Governor Mitch Daniels awarded her the Distinguished Hoosier Award, and in 2019 Governor Eric Holcomb awarded her a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of Indiana.
Above all, Sharon loved her family and friends. She was a proud, generous, and loyal mother, wife, grandmother, and ally. A voracious reader, lifelong music lover, prolific knitter, collector of art and antiques, and keeper of family history and genealogy. Sharon was a gifted storyteller with a self-deprecating, colorful sense of humor and an unforgettable smile and laugh. She will be deeply missed.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later time. Donations in Sharon’s name are welcome to Fried’s Independent Cat Society, CPR Fund K9 Rescue, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the American Battlefield Trust, or any charity meaningful to you.
GUESTBOOK
Only knew Sharon a short time but she was such an interesting woman. Kindhearted, a great storyteller. Wish I could have spent more time with her and listening to her stories. I'm so sorry for your loss. -Kelly Merkner
I’ve only met Sharon once during my brother Rob and Amanda’s wedding, she was very pleasant in showing us here log home I’m sure she will be missed. My sympathies on your loss. -Bruce Thibault
I'm shocked of her passing. She was my late wife's best friend. Sharon and her husband shared a lot of stories over the last 6 years. I always made it a point to visit during the summers when I came north. She was a sweetheart. She will be missed by all who knew her. I was blessed to have known here. Prayers to the family. -Richard Gropp
We are so sad and shocked by this. Our deepest sympathies to Tom and family. She loved her family, such a dedicated public servant and the most beautiful smile with a huge sense of humor. She will be missed. -Mike & Kimo Apato
Sharon was dedicated to her family and the people of Valparaiso. She was a mentor to many and I’m fortunate to have known her. I’m saddened to read of her passing. My condolences to Tom, Christa, Rob, and the rest of her family and friends. Prayers for peace and comfort. -Chris McQuillin
Sorry to hear of her passing. Sharon truly was a wonderful person and the lifeblood of the Republican Party in Valparaiso for many years - always helpful and an essential part of every winning Republican’s election. No one did it better. Her advice and guidance meant very much to me. Laurie and I send Tom and her entire family our sincere condolences. -John Evans
I always loved her very much and l will look after Tom, her husband, and my dear brother. Love and perpetual peace. -Ann Swihart Butts
I was so sorry to hear of Sharon's passing. I admired her very much. Sharon was good friends with my brother; oh my, what mischief they must be getting into now. My brother asked Sharon to help me during a very difficult time in my life. She came out late one night and talked to me for hours. I have never forgotten how much help she gave me that night. I am sure I never thanked her enough for her thoughfulness and wisdom. Sending prayers to Tom, her children, and her grandchildren. May she rest in peace. Sharon was loved by so many people! -Yvonne Condo
Sharon was my dear friend for well over 50 years! She was very instrumental in my life, helping me to find my first dance studio in Valparaiso!! We shared some crazy, and wonderful times!! She was very present in my life and the lives of my children as well!! We had a heart connection that was very rare, and it never wavered through these years!! There were some very rocky times in my life, and Sharon walked with me through all of it!! She was brilliant, and I loved her politics and how she took care of this city for so many years!! I don't know how I will adjust to her not being with me, but I can hear Sharon's laugh telling me, "Oh give me a break, we had a great run"! To Sharon's family I send many hugs and sympathy!! I pray for your journey through this grief, and I'll be praying for all of you!! You are loved, and our Heavenly Father is carrying you........never doubt that!! Love to all.............Donni -Donna Bane
I’m reading this obituary in total shock. I worked with Sharon while she was at the clerks office. She was a hoot ! Had a great sense of humor. I haven’t talked to her in years, but she was the type of person you can’t forget. My sincere condolences to Tom and all her family. -Lee Yanta
I’ve have known Sharon for the fifty-five years of my marriage to a guy who has known her most of his life. They were friends from the beginning of their school day and all the way to her final days. We were shocked to hear of her passing. A good friend to every person who knew her. Our Lord has found other things for her to do. She will truly be missed. Our deepest condolences to Tom and the entire Emerson/Swihart family. -Larry and Luci Hicks
