Myrna Cheryl Sweeney

Myrna passed away in the late afternoon on August 13, 2021. Her husband of 52 years, David, was by her side. 

Myrna was born on October 31,1946 to Burel and Marion Mulkey.  Burel a native of Idaho, was a World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and All Around Cowboy.  He is in the Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.  Marion, better known to locals of the Kern River Valley as Mernie, was born and raised on her parents Alex and Dora Siliciz cattle ranch. 

Myrna graduated from Kern Valley High School in 1964.  She attended Bakersfield Junior College and then got her Bachelor Degree in Education and Teaching Credential from Fresno State University.  Myrna taught 37 years, with 36 of those years being at Woodrow Wallace Elementary.

August 9, 1969 she married David Sweeney of Bakersfield, California. They lived their 52 years together in the Kern River Valley.  In 1975 their only child Natalie was born.  Natalie followed in her mothers footsteps and attended Bakersfield Junior College and then got her Bachelor Degree in Agriculture Education and Teaching Credential from Fresno State University.  December 1, 2007 David and Myrna welcomed Son in Law John Stevano of Linden, California into their family.  In 2010 and 2012 they were blessed with what Myrna would call her greatest joys: her two  grandsons - John David Stevano and Jase Burel Stevano. 

Myrna loved the Kern River Valley and all it had to offer.  She grew up on horseback helping her father on the ranch.  She enjoyed her rides in their Polaris Razor with David and her beloved dog “Bear”.  She was an avid skier, who would head to Shirley Meadows at the first sight of snow.  The lake was her heaven though, and all of those who knew her well could testify.  She loved to swim, water ski and especially kayak on Lake Isabella.  

Myrna was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, cousin and she was a friend to all.  

Myrna Cheryl Mulkey Sweeney is survived by her Husband David Sweeney of Squirrel Valley, California; Daughter Natalie Stevano, Son In Law John Stevano, Grandsons John David and Jase Burel Stevano of Linden, California; Cousins Nancy Moore, Joan Etcheverry and Nick Silicz of Bakersfield,California and Judy Jacobs of Prairie City, Oregon.

Graveside Services will be held at the Kern Valley Cemetery for immediate family. Pastor Jamie Lanza of the First Baptist church where David and Myrna are both members will perform the service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for all family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be to the First Baptist Church for their Youth Programs in the name of Myrna Sweeney.  First Baptist Church, 3701 Suhre Street, Lake Isabella, California 93240.