Marla Shannon McCandless

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marla Shannon McCandless, who left this world on August 31, 2025, at the age of 55. Born on January 9, 1970, in Crossett, Arkansas, Marla was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth and kindness.

Marla was known for her big heart and welcoming spirit. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel like family, and her home was a haven for those in need of comfort and support. Whether sharing stories that spanned a lifetime or offering a listening ear, Marla always invested her time in others, embodying the true meaning of compassion.

A devoted caregiver to all during her life, Marla poured her love into everything she did, including her cherished role as a grandmother. Her grandbabies brought her immense joy, especially in her final days, when she dedicated her time to nurturing them. Her love extended to her furry friends as well, as Marla welcomed over 20 cats into her life, each one special and loved.

Marla's passion for cooking often brought family and friends together, as she would whip up delightful meals filled with love. She had a fondness for redbirds, which seemed to symbolize her vibrant spirit and her deep connection to nature and the divine. A woman of faith, she strongly believed in God and held a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.

Marla was preceded in death by her mother, Fredia Burton; brother, John Swan; and cousins, Josh Lochla, Gary Skender, and Stacey Maxwell.

She leaves behind her father, Johnny Swan; her daughter, Devan Joy White, and son-in-law, Blake Andrew White; her son, Michael McCandless; her sister, Crystal Houge-Burton, and brother-in-law, Mark Houge, her beloved grandbabies, Brayden Gage Loveless, Addison White, Makaylah White, Ella Sophia McCandless; nieces, Sadie Cothren, Dana King, Brooklyn King, Elynie Allison, and Siana Burton; nephews, Brennon Allison, John Zachary Swan, Houston Swan, Dakota Burton, and Dallen Reed, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Memorial services for Marla will be held on a date to be announced, where friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her life, share stories, and honor the incredible woman she was. We encourage all who knew her to come together in love and remembrance.

Marla will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May her spirit continue to inspire kindness and compassion in all of us.

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