Janis Lee McSwain

Dr. Janis L. McSwain, Ph D., was a force of nature—a woman of remarkable intellect, boundless benevolence, and a steady grace that anchored everyone who knew her. January 17, 2026, Jan stepped into her final great adventure, leaving behind a legacy that is as vibrant and expansive as the life she lived. From the rural heart of Oklahoma to the most remote corners of the globe, Jan lived with a "yes" in her heart and a brilliant mind that never stopped reaching for the next horizon.

Born to Edward and Rosa Adams in Altus, Oklahoma, Jan's journey was fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a calling to heal. After graduating from Altus High School in 1962, she dove into the world of medicine, earning her nursing degree in 1964. While her early days at Baptist Hospital tested her potential, it was a biology class at Central State University that ultimately transformed her life forever. There, she met her soulmate and partner in all things, Rick McSwain.

Jan's academic path was nothing short of spectacular. She didn't just study; she mastered her fields, eventually earning both a master's degree in biology and a Ph.D. in Entomology from Oklahoma State University. Whether she was analyzing the smallest insect or managing a complex organization, she did so with a sharp wit and a pursuit of excellence.

Jan's compassion was as daring as her spirit. In a legendary display of bravery, she once traveled deep into the Amazon Jungle of Brazil during a polio outbreak, navigating the wilderness to deliver life-saving vaccinations. She was led to do this because she had polio as a child and was quarantined for six months in the hospital.

Her thirst for discovery took her to five of the seven continents. She marveled at Europe's beauty and shared a transformative trip with Rick to Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the Republic of Congo. While Antarctica & Asia remained beyond her reach, she spent her life exploring the world with a truly infectious enthusiasm.

In 1973, the McSwain family made Morrison, Oklahoma, their home. Jan served as the School Nurse for Morrison Schools and worked for the State Department of Vocational-Technical Education, now known as the Oklahoma Department of Career Technical Education. Still, her impact went far beyond her job titles. She was a visionary who helped continue building on the foundations of her community, establishing the Morrison First Responders, the Morrison Tree Board, and the Morrison Arboretum with the help of many others.

Her leadership was equally felt in the business world. In 1995, Jan and Rick purchased Citizens State Bank, where she eventually retired as EVP, COO, and Chair of the Board. In the office, she was a powerhouse; at home, she was the "Ruler of the House," a title she wore with immense love, and a legendary devotion to her family.

Jan was a champion for the next generation, whether through the American Legion Auxiliary and Girls State or in her community. She had an extremely charitable spirit that taught her children and grandchildren a life of purpose is the greatest gift one can leave behind.

She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Rick McSwain; her parents, Edward and Rosa Adams; her sister, Zane Adams; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Patrick and Sharon Monroe; her cousin, Dan Bowling; her parents-in-law, Joe and Glorene McSwain; and her nephews, Zachary Adams and Donald Hansen.

Her vibrant memory will be cherished by her daughter, Kim, and Kyle Hansen; her son, David McSwain; her brother, Gary Adams, and Ethleen. Her "Grammy magic" lives on in her grandchildren: Morgan Hansen, Zac Hansen, Nathan McSwain, and Ian McSwain. Her brother-in-law, Dr. Larry McSwain, and Sue also survive her, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Laura Lanford, Michael McSwain, Dr. Sayer Monroe, Shaye Michael, Kathryn Hansen Davis, Aaron Hansen, and Nancy Bowling, all of whom deeply admired her.

Jan lived a life that was both a steady anchor and a soaring sail. In her honor, may we all plant a tree, help a neighbor, or plan an adventure to somewhere we've never been. If you would like to donate in Jan's honor, please donate to the Morrison Tree Board. Please make donations to MCDA c/o Morrison Tree Board,iP.O. Box 101, Morrison, Oklahoma 73061.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at 2 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Christian Church in Morrison, Oklahoma.