By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
Dec. 18, 1946 – Oct. 19, 2026
Owasso, OK
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Obituary for Linda “Colleen” Schneider
Linda “Colleen” Schneider was born December 18, 1946 in Claremore, OK to Mildred and Bennie McClure. She went home to be with her Lord and savior on October 19, 2026 in Owasso, OK at the age of 79 years.
Colleen was raised in Skiatook, OK and graduated from Skiatook High School with the class of 1965. She continued her education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968. On June 6, 1970, Colleen married the love of her life, Leon K Schneider in Skiatook. She began her teaching at Washington grade school in Bartlesville where she taught for three years before relocating to Tulsa in 1971. After welcoming two beautiful daughters, Colleen and Leon moved to Owasso in 1977, where she would spend the remainder of her life building a home filled with love, faith and family.
Colleen had a special gift for loving and nurturing children. She founded and directed Our Little Saints Preschool at First Christian church, serving in that role for 28 years. As members of the church for 48 years, her faith was an important part of her life. The children she cared for held a special place in her heart and they lovingly knew her as “Miss Colleen”. Her passion for children extended beyond the classroom, inspiring Colleen and Leon to adopt their third child from South Korea in 1985.
Her heart for serving continued throughout her life. Colleen volunteered at St John Hospital in both Owasso and Tulsa for 15 years, giving more than 6,000 hours of her time before her health no longer allowed her to continue. Her kindness, generosity and willingness to give of herself touched countless lives.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Barbara Foster. Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Leon, her daughters; Jana and husband, Scott Oder of Skiatook, Jill and husband, Brady Meador of Broken Arrow, OK, and Jodi Schneider of Tulsa; and her brothers, Bruce and Brad McClure of Tulsa.
She was lovingly known as “Mimi” by her six grandchildren; Jaida and husband, Jason Hall, Emmerson and Levi Meador, Alex, Avery and Axton Oder. She also leaves behind aunts, an uncle, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends who will forever treasure her memory. Colleen was a wonderful cook who enjoyed trying new recipes, but nothing brought her greater happiness than having her family gathered around her. Family was everything to her, but her grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Her home and heart were always full of love and the memories made around her table will be treasured for generations to come.
Colleen’s sweet spirit, loving heart and genuine kindness made her a joy to know. She was loved and respected by so many and the impact she made through her family, her faith, her service and her love for children will never be forgotten.
Though her family’s hearts are broken by her passing, they find comfort in knowing she is now home with her Lord. She will continue to live on through the many lives she touched, the lessons she taught and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Services will be held at First Church of Owasso on October 26 at 10:00 a.m. Intermittent is at Graceland Cemetery in Owasso.
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