Malena Esta Badman

The beautiful soul of Malena Esta Badman quietly and peacefully left this Earth on a cloudy Friday morning May 22, 2026, in Indianapolis, after a courageous and brave four-year battle with Frontal Temporal Disorder. Malena was decidedly too young at 54 years of age. Malena was a vivacious, tenacious, intelligent and beautiful human being. Her unique character was a blend of unapologetic honesty and sass that were cherished by all. Armed with cheery bluntness, she was the best friend we all need when only an honest answer will work. Her longtime partner once said of her thought process, “she possessed more common sense in her little finger than most possess in a lifetime.”

Born to Rella Jean and Malcolm Johnson, Malena was born on July 28, 1971, in Midwest City, Oklahoma and remained a lifelong Okie and fan of OU football. In addition to her parents, Malena is survived by the joys of her life, her two sons and grandsons, Nicholas (Taryn) Badman of Indianapolis and James (Allison) Badman serving in the US Air Force, stationed in Germany along with her grandson Christian and the unborn grandson, Alexander. Malena is additionally survived by her younger sister Amy (Jeremy) Mulkey of Kearney, Missouri and younger brother Jeremiah (Gwen) Bussing of Midwest City, Oklahoma. A beloved niece Kaylee and nephews Joseph and Gage survive, as does Malena’s longtime partner, Greg Law of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

A graduate of Midwest City High School, Malena also attended Early Childhood Development courses at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Malena worked diligently in daycare facilities in Anchorge, while managing the daily duties of a young mother, then later serving in numerous government financial management positions before being forced into early retirement. Her exemplary work and work ethic, in addition to her energetic nature, made her a genuine pleasure to work with. A fan of all types of music, Malena’s eclectic nature took her through country, pop, classic rock, 80’s hair bands, and her true joy, heavy gut-punching metal, which was sometimes a shock to hear coming from her office.

Her genuine personality and infectious laugh would immediately disarm the most ardent of hard shells, and her keen understanding of people made her so uncommonly special.

One of her best friends said of her, “Malena is the most loyal person I have ever known, she will never abandon a friend.”

Malena’s character is carried on through her sons, and we all carry her memories with us, yet may we all strive to keep her spirit alive by being true to each other, be honest, be a friend, and just be happy together.