Melinda Allred

Melinda Sue Swinson “Moe Honey” Allred, 61, of Graham, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Melinda was born to Homer and Torchy Swinson in Abilene, Texas on November 3, 1964. She grew up in Stanton, TX, where she made many memories and life-long friends who remained close to her heart. Melinda was proud to follow in her mother’s footsteps and be a twirler for Stanton High School. Just two months after graduating from high school, on July 16, 1983, she married the love of her life, Rusty Allred. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed their son, Dexter Clayton, in March 1986.

Melinda and Rusty spent many years working side by side, building their business, Rusty’s Oilfield Service, in Stanton. After selling the business, they moved to Possum Kingdom Lake, a favorite place of Melinda’s since childhood.

Melinda loved having people around her and was always opening her home to family and friends, whether welcoming them for a weekend – or however long they wanted to stay. She was the life of every gathering, always ready with a story, a home cooked meal, and a way of making everyone feel at home.

The Fourth of July was especially dear to Melinda. She went all out every year with decorations, delicious food, and fireworks, creating celebrations that her family and friends will remember for years to come.

She loved her family deeply. One of her favorite things was going to the ranch with Rusty each day to look at the deer and check the cows. She was so proud of Dex’s business and was the first to share his success on social media. She also never missed a dance recital, competition, or piano performance involving her granddaughters Paisyn and Falynn. She was their biggest cheerleader and became “Honey” to all the dancers at Absolute Dance. Any friends of the girls were like grandchildren of her own and she made that evident by inviting them to the lake, feeding them, and bringing cookies to competition. Family didn’t stop at people for Melinda. She loved her dogs greatly and they loved her back.

Family was everything to Melinda. You only had to walk into her home to see how much the people she loved meant to her. The walls are filled with photographs, artwork, and memories of the family and friends who made her life so special.

Faith was also a large part of Melinda’s life. She and Rusty attended Westlake Chapel where Melinda found a church family that meant so much to her. She often spoke about how happy she was to have found such a loving church home and cherished the friendships and fellowship she shared there. Melinda was always looking for ways to help people in the community and donated many gifts to those in need.

Melinda leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Melinda is survived by her loving husband, Rusty, of Graham; her son Dex, and his wife Hollie; and her beloved granddaughters, Paisyn and Falynn Allred, all of Midland, TX. She is also survived by her mother, Torchy Swinson of Midland; her sister Mandy, and her husband Kevin Newman of Stanton; her brother Mike, and his wife Darla Swinson; her brother-in-law, Sparky, and his wife Kelly Allred of Stanton; nieces and nephews, Dakota Newman, Flint Newman, Maggie Newman; great nephew River, all of Stanton; McKenzie Allred of Fort Worth; Drew and Lacey; great nieces, Wesley, Sadie, and Brylie Swinson of Forney, Texas; Tyler and Marquelyn; great niece Caprice Swinson, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her father, Homer Swinson; grandparents, Wilmer and Bill Derden of Stanton, Texas; C.V. and Emmie Swinson of Eastland, Texas.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 2 p.m. in HighRidge Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery.