Margie Gayle Oglesby

Margie Gayle was born in Orange County, California in January of 1951 to Johnnie Elouise Collins and Albert Collins. She was followed by two sisters Patricia and Kathy. Margie's mother’s family had migrated to California, but they would eventually relocate back to Arkansas where the rest of her family lived. As a teen she would work in her mother's restaurants. After graduation from Foreman High in 1969, she moved to Dallas, Texas to work, but would move back to Arkansas again to help her family. 

She then married Emmett "Frog” Oglesby. She is survived by their children, daughter Johnanna and son Byron. After a few years they would relocate to the “lineroad,” where they would settle onto a 160 acre cattle farm and be joined there by her mother and family on the property as well. 

While she would stay at home a few years with each child, she spent most of her adult life working. Early on as a waitress, then transitioning in the healthcare field where it really seemed like she found her passion. She worked years in home health where she was able to assist in the care of some extended family and friends, which she found very meaningful.

In the late 80s the immediate family would move to the panhandle of Texas. During the next several years the family moved several times due to job requirements. When the kids reached junior and high school age, she would insist that the constant relocation be ceased for the sake of the kids. She was adamant that the family put down some roots so that the kids could have stability and form important bonds as they transitioned into young adults. They settled in Pryor, Oklahoma. Gayle got a job she adored working for one of the prominent surgeons in town and she made a home for the family.

Once the kids were essentially grown she would resume traveling with Emmett, often working as a Quality Assurance Manager on job sites, which was another job that she enjoyed as it really showed off her instincts. In 1999, sadly Emmett was killed by a drunk driver and Margie was irreparably injured. 

While continuing to battle residual medical issues herself, she did recover enough to continue work for a short time and eventually to medically retire. Within a few years, she had returned to Pryor, with long time friend of hers and Emmett’s, Shorty Hebert. The two lived quietly in their little corner of Mayes County until his death in 2016. 

Gayle passed away on June 1, 2024 at a hospice house in Tulsa, after several years of being at a care facility. She leaves behind her son and daughter, Byron and Johnanna Oglesby, sister Kathy Gallagher, Nephew James Collins, Nieces Billie McKanna and Ashley Deen as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.