Gayle Annette Carnahan

Gayle Annette Carnahan, age 85 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, at the home of her daughter, Carol A. Fousel.

Gayle was born on December 19, 1938, to Alvin D. Blewett and B. Louise (Johnson) Blewett in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Highland Park High School where she was blessed to have special friends. These childhood friends were cherished throughout her life.

Gayle met Monte Carnahan, CPA while on a double date, but not with each other. It quickly became apparent they were more interested in each other than their own dates. They were married on December 6, 1958. They began their lives together in Dallas, Texas. Their first daughter, Criss Ann was born in Dallas. Their second daughter, Caren Lea, was born in Irving. They moved to California while following Monte's career until moving to Wilburton, Oklahoma. Their next two daughters, Kelly Lynn, and Carol Annette, were born in McAlester while Monte opened his CPA firm and began their entrepreneurial ventures, including but not limited to, The Rink and The Picture Show in Wilburton. Gayle spent her time as a busy mother of four girls and a talented homemaker. She was an amazing cook and talented seamstress. She served on the Wilburton Public School Board for 17 years and later owned Gayle's Shoe Store on Main Street.

Gayle and Monte's final entrepreneurial venture was opening The Windsong Inn, Bed and Breakfast. This included a white tablecloth restaurant open on Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday afternoons and special occasions. Gayle's cooking and baking skills became renowned, and Monte became an excellent grill chef. They established lasting bonds with the bed and breakfast clients who come back year after year. Gayle continued running the bed and breakfast for several years upon Monte's death in 2006. Gayle also shared her cooking talents while volunteering at the United Methodist Church in Wilburton, where the Carnahans have always been members.

Gayle was predeceased by her loving parents, Alvin D. Blewett and B. Louise (Johnson) Blewett; her devoted husband, Monte Carnahan; loving sister, Ida Louise Koons; brother-in-law, William Koons; mother-in-law, Linda P. Bowling; sisters-in-law, Janet Stewart, and Cora Gordan; son-in-law, Randy Phillips; nephew, James Stewart.

She is survived by her four daughters, Criss Ann Roberts (Brad Roberts) of Idabel, OK; Caren Lea Evans (Dennis Evans) of Brookeland, TX; Kelly Lynn Phillips of Wilburton, OK; Carol Annette Fousel (Jeff Fousel) of Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren April Leinich (Volker Leinich), Bryan Roberts, Austin Evans, Ryan Evans, Emily Torea (Alan Torea), Janet Guerra (Daniel Guerra), Kathryn Kenyon, Kelley Fousel, Abigail Fousel (fiancé Trevor Cash); great grandchildren Julian, Amelie, Isabelle, Emria and Alessia; nieces Kathy Koons, Marilyn Crane, Lynn Gordan, Eileen O'Rourke and Katy Pruitt; nephews Robert Stewart, Jimmy Gordan and Danny Koons; great nieces and nephews Jason, Randy, Molly, William, Claire, Martha, Kevin, Anna and Max, and many other special friends and relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Wilburton, OK on June 1st, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to The Food Pantry by Calvary Baptist Church in Wilburton, OK phone (918) 465-2548.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Gayle Carnahan entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK, 74429, 918-486-5515.