Connie Dunham Gilchrist of Ryan OK. Passed away suddenly on June 12, 2022 at the age of 76. Connie was born August 3rd 1945 to Quinton and Janice Dunham in San Antonio TX. The family moved back to Durant where Connie graduated from Durant High School and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

While at Southeastern Connie met Troy Mikehail "Mike" Gilchrist of Ryan and the couple married on July 3, 1965. The couple were proud parents of two daughters Nanette Foster and Mikehail "Mickie" Williamson.

Early in her career Connie worked as a teacher in private kindergartens and preschools eventually coming to own her own Pre-K daycare center.

Connie and Mike moved back to Ryan where Connie found her calling and passion in community activities. Connie was a faithful and committed member of the First Baptist Church of Ryan. She would often be seen around town in many capacities. She worked hard as part of the team to coordinate the Ryan Brick Street Days Celebration being honored one year as Ms. Brick Street. For a period of time Connie was employed by the Ryan Leader serving multiple roles which included working in the office and more frequently the face behind the camera photographing school and community events for the local paper. She was such a frequent attendee at school functions all the kids at school new to smile for Ms. Connie when she showed up. Connie was also a member of the original Ryan Red Hat Ladies and an active participant in the Ryan Ladies Birthday Club. Connie never turned down a chance to get involved and participate which included many trips to visit with and support the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Connie was preceded in death by a granddaughter Dianna Vannostran and her husband of 49 years Mike Gilchrist.

She is survived by two brothers James Dunham and wife Sharon of Durant OK, Richard "Dick" Dunham and wife Donna also of Durant, a daughter Nanette Foster and husband Bret of Terral OK, daughter Mickie Williamson of Blum, TX, grandchildren Derek Williamson of Amarillo, TX, Madison Shaffer and husband Jarred of Whitney, TX, Nicolaus Vannostran and wife Trinity of Moore, OK, Ryan Foster of Allen, TX, Courtney Foster of McKinney, TX, and Kaelynn Foster of McKinney TX. In addition Connie is survived by three great grandchildren Kimber and Kinlee Williamson of Amarillo, TX and Wrenlee Shaffer of Whitney, TX, and Darla Bralley of New Castle OK. Connie is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews’ cousins and close friends from multiple communities.

Services are under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Waurika OK and will be officiated by Ricky Phillips. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday June 15, 2022 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Dudley Funeral Home in Ryan. Services will be held Thursday June 16th at 10:30AM at First Baptist Church Ryan.OK Internment will be at The Ryan Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Foster, Derek Williamson, Nicolaus Vannostran, Jarred Shaffer, Frankie Clift and Brandon Pierce. Honorary pallbearer Sheryl Allen.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Ryan OK.