Judy Gayle Gibson
October 11, 1954 - April 19, 2026
Judy Gayle (Cowan) Gibson passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 71 years, 6 months, and 8 days old. Judy was born on October 11, 1954, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Wayne Cowan and Wilma Jean (Teter) Cowan. She spent her childhood in Locust Grove, with some time being spent in Jay. She attended Jay schools for a short time and graduated Locust Grove High School with the Class of 1972.
On November 23, 1974, Judy married the love of her life, Ralph Edward Gibson, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together they shared over 51 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on love, family, and faith. To this union were born two sons, Josh and Shawn, whom they raised with great pride. Judy and Ralph cherished their growing family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to their lives.
Locust Grove was always home to Judy, though she spent some time living in Jay and Tulsa. She had a strong work ethic from a young age, working at Cook's Restaurant in Locust Grove during her high school years. She later worked at Hissom Memorial and Thunderbird in Pryor, and for many years alongside her family at Express Metal in Locust Grove.
Judy's faith was an important part of her life. While living in Tulsa, she attended Calvary Tabernacle. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Locust Grove and most recently Blue Springs Church near Salina.
Judy found joy in life's simple pleasures and in the people she loved. She was known for her adventurous spirit, often chasing fire trucks with her dear friend Debbie, leading to many memorable outings - including their shared pastime of dumpster diving. She loved cooking, scrapbooking, gardening, playing cards, and a good game of Farkle. Judy was also an avid OU Sooners fan. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Judy will be remembered for her caring and selfless nature. She had a servant's heart, always willing to give of herself to others. Her generosity and kindness touched many lives, and the Locust Grove community and surrounding areas were truly blessed by her. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Judy is survived by: Her husband, Ralph, of the home; 2 sons: Josh Gibson and wife Birdina of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, and Shawn and Kara Gibson of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; 4 grandchildren: Blake Gibson, Caleb Gibson and wife Kodie, Ashlynn Holman and husband Cole, Hannah Alberty and husband Michael; 2 great grandchildren: Willow Holman and Ruger Holman; 2 brothers: Jerry Cowan and wife Lisa of Pryor, and Justin Cowan and wife Linda of Coweta, Oklahoma; 1 sister and dumpster diving partner: Debbie Conley of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; numerous niece, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Terry Cowan and Mike Cowan; and one nephew, Jon Cowan.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 27, 2026, at Blue Springs Church near Salina, Oklahoma, with Reverend Lorne Beck officiating. Interment will follow at Hogan Cemetery in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
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