Jean Gilbert 1937-2024
There were three constants in Jean Gilbert’s life: 1. She never met a stranger. 2. A moment was never wasted.
3. She met the bright side of every situation with a smile.
Born on October 21, 1937, in rural Tonkawa, Jean and her twin sister, Jane, were welcomed into the world by their parents, Schley and Lydia (Deem) Frudy. At every stage of her life, her twin sister Jane was beside her. From a young age, Jean was full of energy, excelling in 4H, where she eventually served as president. Her education began at Center School through the 8th grade, and she later graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1955. She continued her education at Northern Oklahoma Junior College, earning her degree in 1957, followed by a degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma State University in 1959.
Jean’s career was as dynamic as her personality. She began as a home economics teacher, sharing her love for cooking and practical skills with her students. Her passion for helping others continued when she worked at Opportunity Village, where she used her culinary education skills to bring warmth and care to those in need. Later, she spent many years working at the Northern Oklahoma College library, where she became a “grandma-away-from-home” for countless students, offering guidance and comfort. In her final career chapter, Jean found joy working at the Oklahoma Travel Center, where travelers passing through found a welcoming smile, a listening ear, a bad joke, and about 14 places you needed to stop at on your I-35 journey. Jean was the kind of person who made you feel at home, no matter where you were.
She passed on August 19, surrounded by loved ones.
Now in her fourth and final retirement, Jean’s family will honor her life in a private ceremony. They encourage you to celebrate her memory by sharing stories when you think of her or encounter those who knew her.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, her beloved husband, Lloyd Gilbert, and her son, Bradley Gilbert. She is survived by her remaining children, Schley and Tim Gilbert; her grandchildren, Heather Nolis, Cindy Gilbert, Ben Quinn, Jett Wensler, and Kristen Havens (honorary); and her great-granddaughters, Amber and Bradley Nolis, and Kacy and Piper Havens (honorary).