Russell "Russ" Allan Sweeden passed away holding his wife's hand and surrounded by his family on October 25, 2025. Russ was born June 20, 1958, in Long Beach, Calif. He was the oldest of four kids, with three little sisters to come after. His dad wanted to name him "Rowdy." But his mother knew while it would suit him at times, he would also be strong, sensitive and generous.

The family arrived at their first horse ranch in Clovis where he attended Dry Creek Elementary, Clark Intermediate and Clovis High School. After that the Sweedens moved to Laton where Russ graduated high school in 1976. He loved his horse Cinnamon, his guitar, and the mountains. Russ grew to be a "man's man" who valued hard work, honesty and his family. He was the ultimate handyman who could fix anything. He once proudly fixed a deep leg cut from his saw with duct tape. He worked primarily in construction, also attending the Golden State Contractors School in San Diego, while learning the plastering trade.

Russ married his high school sweetheart Jessica Navarro. They had two children but had divorced, then he met the love of his life. Theresa and Russ married in 1991 blending their family to include her son who he also helped raise.

He started his own business Sweeden Stucco in 1991, plastering many iconic homes and businesses throughout the valley and the Central Coast. In 2006, he closed up shop and moved to the Coulterville/Greeley Hill area where he and Theresa worked as a property managers and caregivers. Russ lived in San Diego briefly but continued to cheer for the Chargers throughout his days.

He was a great father and a very proud grandfather. He made sure you knew you were loved. Without question, he would help family, friends and strangers in need. His endearing laugh and kind spirit will never be forgotten.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents Chuck and Bobbie Sweeden; his uncle Brian Wieland; and by his sister Christy Charlene Cooper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Theresa Dunn; daughter Jennifer (Brian) Fletcher, son Russell Sweeden, son Jeffery (Nicole) Motley; bonus daughter and son Leann and Philip Neff; grandchildren, Cristen, Zoe, McKenna, Wyatt, Madison, Riley, Corbin, Parker, Merritt and Myrick; and sisters Rhonda (Imo) Alo and Cindy Whitten. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Polly and Don Kelch and Keith and Maureen Wieland; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He took his family on one last Bass Lake summer break in August 2025 and enjoyed the speed of the boat and spray of the water, watching the grandchildren get towed and tossed around in the water.

Russ did not want a funeral or for us to be sad, although we undoubtedly are.

We will hold a Celebration of Life at the Laton Lions Club Hall in Laton, Calif., Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 1-3 p.m. Please bring your memories to share and wear colors to express the vibrant life he lived.

Many thanks to the Critical Care ICU staff at Community Regional Medical Center and the Laton Lions Club.