Ellen Mae Gourd, age 87 passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She is now at peace.
Ellen was born on December 7, 1933 in Checotah, Oklahoma to John William Hagan and Essie Mae (Horton) Hagen. She graduated in 1951 from Pierce High School in Pierce, Oklahoma. On December 22nd of that year, Ellen was united in marriage to Sequoyah J. Gourd in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Together they shared over twenty-one years before his passing on June 26, 1973.
Ellen attended Northeastern State University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1962 followed by a Master’s Degree in Education in 1963. Ellen embarked upon a career as a teacher and a librarian that spanned 27 years and several school districts. She retired in 1989, leaving behind generations of grateful students and readers.
Ellen’s love of learning and reading were not limited to the classroom or library; she enjoyed reading everything from scripture to contemporary fiction, and always had book on her bedside table. However, Ellen’s true love in life was her family. She treasured her time spent with loved ones, especially the time that they shared at Grand Lake. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Ellen was preceded in death by her father John William Hagan, mother Essie Mae (Horton) Hagen, son Phillip Gourd, son John Gourd, and her siblings, John Hagan Jr., William Hagan, Carl Hagan, Bert Hagan, and Betty Waller. She is survived by her son Mark Gourd, granddaughter Shannon Gourd Simcoe (Steven), sister Georgia Connaughton, daughter-in-law Joy Gourd, step-grandsons Ricky Davis (Melissa) and John Cellner (Ashly), step-great-grandchildren Jessica Davis, Morgan Davis, and Nichole Davis, and a dozen beloved nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Tahlequah City Cemetery, with Pastor Randy Wilson officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary of Joplin, Missouri. In lieu flowers, spend that money on a good book.