Gwen was born September 6, 1949 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She was the third of three children born to Eddie Sr. and Alesa (Lyons) Monteilh. She was baptized at Uganda Martyr's Catholic Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She continued her faith at St. Monica Catholic Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she was an active member of the Catholic Daughters and was currently serving as State Regent. She was also an active member of the Court Queenship of Mary #1735.