Sharon Martin Trotter
Sharon passed from this life on May 13, 2024 in Santa Barbara at 84. A devoted mother and wife, she expressed herself through music and art, but is best known and appreciated for her service at Living Faith Church since coming to Santa Barbara almost 50 years ago.
Sharon was born Sharon Joan Switzer on October 28, 1939 to Bill and Josephine Switzer in San Bernardino. Sharon frequently worked with her father for Sunday morning services at the Juvenile Hall and became an accomplished pianist. Following high school, she married Jerry Lee Martin and lived in Long Beach, San Bernardino, Riverside and Santa Ana. During this time, they had two children, and Sharon honed her love and talent for singing and crafting. She was active in music in her churches, and portrayed Lydia in the televised production of “No Greater Love” on TBN.
Moving to Santa Barbara in 1975, Sharon developed her career, first as a licensed insurance agent with Johnson Risser Insurance then moved into banking with City Commerce Bank where she spent close to 20 years through several banking mergers.
Following a divorce, Sharon married Donald “Bruce” Trotter in 1982. The couple continued to attend Living Faith Church, serving on the worship music team and on church committees. Following Bruce’s passing in 2000, Sharon retired and discovered a new passion for painting through City College extension courses, and also spent extended stays with relatives. She continued service coordinating support for missionaries and fulfilled a lifetime dream with her visit to the Holy Land with the Church.
At 77, Sharon opened a new chapter in life with her marriage to Thaddeus “Ted” Ross. The two continued painting and maintaining an active lifestyle, attending events around town and taking multiple cruises. Recently the two could be found spending time with friends, dining at Harry’s Plaza Cafe, or just enjoying an evening gimlet.
Sharon passed at Mission Park after being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in late March. She will be interred at Santa Barbara Cemetery on July 19th, and family & friends will celebrate her life and Homegoing at Harry’s on July 20th. Sharon is survived by her husband, Ted Ross, two children and five step children, and more than a dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, Sharon would wish donations be made to St. Jude’s or the Missions Fund at Living Faith Church, which she chaired for many years.