Barbara Lou (Holder) McCreight

Barbara Lou (Holder) McCreight, 88, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on September 5, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with her family by her side.

Barbara was born on November 20, 1937, in Vian, Oklahoma, to Leon Stanley “Monk” Holder and Margarine “Puddin” (Hamilton) Holder. She graduated from Vian High School in 1955 and went to work as a telephone operator in Vian.

On December 21, 1957, Barbara married Tommy McCreight. They moved to Dallas, Texas, while Tommy attended Baylor Dental School. During that time, Barbara began the role she considered her most important, raising their two daughters, Dawna and Dana.

After Tommy completed dental school, the family returned home to Vian. Barbara became a devoted member of Vian United Methodist Church, where she remained part of the congregation throughout her life. She also shared her love of music as a member of the church choir for many years.

In January 1965, Barbara and Tommy McCreight, D.D.S., opened their dental practice in Sallisaw. Barbara served as the receptionist from the day the office opened and continued working until her death. For more than 60 years, she was the familiar voice that greeted generations of patients.

Barbara became especially known for the distinctive way she answered the telephone, “Dr. McCreight’s office.” Some people would call just to hear her say it and then quickly hang up before she could figure out who was on the other end. It became one of the many little things people loved and remembered about her.

Barbara was known by many names throughout her life. She was Barbara to some, Barbara Lou to friends and family, Bobbie to Tommy, and Mama to her daughters. She was Granny to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many others who found themselves in her circle, whether related by blood or not.

She loved a good conversation, a good joke, and any opportunity to make someone smile. She enjoyed her weekly visits to the beauty shop, treasured time spent with her family, and loved all things lavender, both the color and the scent.

Barbara was truly one of a kind. Her unmistakable voice, sense of humor, and gift for making an ordinary moment memorable will be deeply missed. The stories and laughter she shared will remain with everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 68 years, Tommy McCreight, D.D.S.; her daughters, Dawna McCreight, D.O., and Dana McCreight, D.D.S., both of Sallisaw; her grandchildren, Taegen Taylor and her husband, Sean, of Sallisaw, Dannon Poindexter and her husband, B.J., of Roland, and Creighton Ellis and his wife, Breanna, of Poteau; and her great-grandchildren, Avery Poindexter, Sean Taylor, Sullivan Taylor, Shiloh Taylor, and Brighton Ellis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Stanley “Monk” Holder and Margarine “Puddin” (Hamilton) Holder, and her brother, Gordon Leroy Holder.

Barbara leaves behind a family who loved her dearly and a lifetime of memories that will continue to be shared for generations. Her family will forever remember her as faithful, funny, and unforgettable.

Graveside services will be 10:00 AM at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Vian United Methodist Church, a place that was dear to Barbara throughout her life. Donations may be mailed to Vian United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 697, Vian, Oklahoma 74962.