Gretchen Ilene Queton McGilbra, born on January 5, 1941 in Tahlequah, OK passed from this earth on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Gretchen is survived by her two daughters, Mindy Gann and husband Quincy Gann of Visalia, CA and Terri McGilbra of Tulsa, OK; her grandsons Benjamin and Thomas Gann and her granddaughter, Gabby Gann. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Thelma Queton.

Gretchen taught first grade for 30 years at Jackson Elementary, a Tulsa Public School. She began her career in Albuquerque, NM and held a Master's Degree from Northeastern State College. She followed her family's footsteps in becoming an educator and was passionate about teaching and inspiring young minds during her career.

Gretchen was proud of her Native American heritage, both Kiowa and Cherokee. She spent much of retirement studying her family history and genealogy and made sure to chronicle this information for future generations. She loved all of her family, near and far. She was the family historian, the family photographer and the family party planner. She kept us close.

Gretchen was a loyal and dear friend to many. She grew up in Brigham City, Utah and remained close with her Box Elder High School friends all of her life. In earlier years in Tulsa, she was involved in many different roles with the Oklahoma National Guard Women's Association forging more lifelong friendships. And we can't forget about the Teacher's Club. Gretchen loved staying close to this group of women. In earlier years they bowled together. In later years, they attended Tulsa Town Hall lectures, movies, and had monthly lunch meetings to discuss the latest news and to share their family photos.  She loved all of her family and friends, and enjoyed spending time with them.

A memorial service will be held at 10am, Wednesday, December 18 at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. Burial will be at 2pm at the Tahlequah Cemetery.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.