Malinda “Shelly” Sweeney, 60, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, in Monroe, Oklahoma. She was born in Santa Clara, California, and spent her life sharing love, faith, and encouragement with everyone she met.
Malinda was a woman whose life was deeply rooted in her faith. She loved the Lord with all her heart and made it her mission to share the Gospel and help others come to know Jesus Christ. Her faith was not just something she believed it was who she was. She was a devoted member of House of Blessing Church in Monroe, Oklahoma, where she was deeply involved with her church family and loved serving her community.
Many knew her affectionately as “Preacher Shelly,” a name she carried proudly as she spread kindness, faith, and joy to those around her. She was also known for her beloved frog collection. Each frog held special meaning to her as a reminder to “Fully Rely On God.” Those small reminders reflected the way she lived her life with unwavering trust and devotion.
Malinda had a creative spirit and found joy in crafting. She loved knitting, crocheting, and working on any project that allowed her to create something meaningful for others. Her hands were rarely still, and many friends and family members treasure the handmade items she lovingly shared.
She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Sweeney; her mother, Leona Thompson; and her brother, Phillip Casteel.
She leaves behind many who loved her dearly. She is survived by her companion, Richard Yinger. Though she had no children of her own, she lovingly claimed all of her nieces and nephews as her grandchildren and was known to them as “Grandma Shelly.” She was truly blessed with a large and loving family.
She is survived by her sisters and their spouses, Liz and Mark Collins, and Tina and Donnie Sanders.
She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Ashley and Bradley Oliver; Taylor and Travis Simco; Angie and Lyndal Ritter; Christopher and Devon Williams “Jones”; John and Soni Jones; Donald and Lorenza Sanders; Derek and Angel Sanders; Dakota Sanders; Jason and Chaunte Casteel; Joseph Casteel; and Jeremy Casteel, along with numerous cousins and extended family members who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts.
Malinda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving heart, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her. Her legacy of faith and kindness will live on in the many lives she touched. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.
The Celebration of Life Visitation Services for Malinda will be held from 10am – 12noon – Monday, March 16, 2026, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Ave Poteau, Oklahoma. The Family of Malinda Sweeney invites anyone that knew her and wants to view before Monday’s visitation, to come by Holt Funeral and Cremation 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, Oklahoma to view at your own convenience, anytime from now till the visitation on Monday.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Malinda Sweeney has entrusted her arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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