Brenda Cheryl Spinden

Brenda ‘Cheryl’ Spinden, 76, of Fort Gibson, was born on July 16, 1948, in Muskogee to Thomas and Mae (Lavern) Bowen, and met her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Fort Gibson. Cheryl graduated from Muskogee High School and went on to pursue higher education at Northeastern State University and St. Edward’s College, where she earned her degree in Nursing. She dedicated 15 years to her nursing career before retiring in 2010. She married the love of her life, Frank Spinden, and they shared more than 39 years of marriage until his passing in 2023. Their life together was marked by devotion to each other and their everlasting faith. Cheryl served alongside Frank in several churches throughout their ministry, including her family’s congregation at Valley View Church in Fort Gibson. Cheryl lived in several Oklahoma communities throughout her life, including Muskogee and Miami, before settling in Fort Gibson. Her dedication to church life and support of pastoral work reflected a deep commitment to her faith and community. She dedicated herself to teaching children within the church about Jesus Christ, nurturing young hearts with care and compassion. She and Frank enjoyed taking short trips together and often brought along their church children on outings to places like Silver Dollar City. These moments were made even more special when shared with her niece and nephews. At home, Cheryl and her cat, Kitty, shared a special bond between them. Her memory will be cherished by those who knew her through family, friendship, and church. Cheryl is now reunited with her parents; husband, Frank; and great-nephew, Mason Jones. Those left to cherish her memories are her sister and brother-in-law, Melody and husband Don Rhyne of Fort Gibson; nephews, Tommy and his wife Honey Bowen of Fort Gibson and Michael Mahan of Fort Gibson; niece, Mandy Wildman and her husband Clint of Tahlequah; great-nieces, Maegan Montgomery and her husband Ben of Tahlequah and Kelsi Wildman of Muskogee; and great-nephew, John Bowen of Fort Gibson; extended family, and many lifelong friends. Cheryl’s life will be celebrated at 2PM, Friday, April 18, 2025, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Gibson. She will be interred with her husband at a private family committal service. The family of Brenda ‘Cheryl’ Spinden has entrusted her care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Brenda Cheryl Spinden

July 16, 1948 - April 17, 2025