Gina Irene Olaya

Gina was born June 15, 1966 in San Francisco, California to Wilma Pearl Mankiller and Hector Hugo Olaya.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Wilma Pearl Mankiller of Rocky Mountain. She is survived by her father, Hector Hugo Olaya of Ecuador, sister, Felicia Olaya of Tahlequah, her son, Kellen Quinton, daughter-in-law, Sharon Kirk and, granddaughter, Mia Pearl Quinton all of Ardmore, her nephews, Aaron Swake and Jaron Tsosie of Tahlequah and her niece, Breanna Morton of Poteau.

Gina was a fierce warrior. The creator continuously put life altering challenges in her path and she never did falter. Health issues each year of her adult life plagued every step. Cancers, kidney failure/transplant and fibromyalgia are just a few of the many things she dealt with over her more than thirty surgeries and procedures. Each day she woke with a smile and purpose. That purpose was to always understand that “everyday is a good day” and that she should make the most of today. She always worked hard through all these daily challenges with grace and a readiness to help the next person who needed it.

Gina worked for Cherokee Nation Businesses for twenty years in various capacities. At the end of her tenure, she was Director of Cultural Art and Design. Gina developed a great passion for art and installed much of the art you see in many buildings across the Cherokee reservation. She won awards and a deep admiration from her peers, with her hard work, extreme diligence and no excuses, even when her health was failing.

Gina was a true giver. She was more of a simple person who wanted to use the resources she had gained across her lifetime in service of others instead of for personal gain or wealth. This was also reflected in her deep love of animals, as she would spend lots of time and money helping the animals of her city in any way possible. She is deeply loved and will be missed dearly.

A Celebration of Life for Gina will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Chota Conference Center, 3307 Seven Clans Ave., Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464.