Gladys Jewell Hurst was born on October 23, 1923 in Purcell, Oklahoma to Joseph Benjamin and Annie Emma (Tadlock) McDonald. Gladys passed away on Monday, November 9, 2015. She was 92.

As a young child she moved with her family to Tahlequah. She attended school in Tahlequah and at Northeastern State College where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree and lifetime teaching certificate in Home Economics and Business.

Gladys was teaching in Catoosa in 1943 when she met the love of her life Othel N. “Bob” Hurst. They became husband and wife on Sunday, June 16, 1946 at her parents’ home in Tahlequah. Methodist minister, Reverend E.E. Payne officiated the marriage ceremony.

They made their first home in Catoosa where Bob was employed with Peabody Coal Company. Bob was transferred to Okmulgee by the company where their son Robert was born on August 9, 1950. The family was then transferred to Claremore in 1951 where they continued to make their home and raise their son.

Gladys was a homemaker, teacher and social worker with the State of Oklahoma until her retirement. Following Bob’s retirement from Peabody in 1979 they enjoyed traveling. Their travels took them to all 50 states plus Mexico, The Bahamas, Nova Scotia, Canada and the Prince Edward Islands.

Gladys was a loving, caring wife, mother and faithful member of the First United Methodist Church. Having served two terms as President of the United Women’s Society and many years as chairman of the U.M.W. Group. She loved God and she loved her family and friends.

She enjoyed a wide array of activities, which included all sports, especially baseball and bowling, playing canasta, bunco, crocheting and especially cooking for her family and friends. Gladys lovingly wrote this, her own life story, before her passing.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years in 2000, and her son Robert in 2001, two brothers, Ernest and Joseph B. McDonald, three sisters Edna Hodges, Edith Ligon and Nola Alexander; and nephew Richard Hodges. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Janice Hurst of Claremore, sister Juanita Rigney and husband Alva of Okmulgee; two nieces, Beverly Chapman and Juanita Alexander; and nephews Galin Hodges, Keith Hodges, Michael McDonald, Joseph McDonald and Edward Rigney.

Services honoring and celebrating will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 12, 2015 at First United Methodist Church. Gladys will be laid to rest beside her husband at Woodlawn Cemetery.