Glenna Lee (McGuire)-Pattyson-Conner-Dru ”1930 - 2014”

Glenna Lee (McGuire)-Pattyson-Conner-Dru Glenna Lee (McGuire)-Pattyson-Conner-Dru Glenna Lee (McGuire)-Pattyson-Conner-Dru, longtime resident of Miami, OK, passed from this life into the next surrounded by loved ones at her daughter Delilah’s home in Tulsa, May 20, 2014. Glenna arrived in the world during the heat of summer July 24, 1930 in Fayettville, AR. She was the firstborn child of Omar and Alta Armstrong McGuire. Born at the beginning of the Great Depression, Glenna as did many others of her generation spent her early childhood moving about the country while her father sought employment. As the Nation plunged further into economic chaos her family took up residence in a community in the Ozarks comprised mainly of relatives where they raised their own produce; hogs; cattle; chickens; basically every item required for self- sufficiency. Those in the community operated their own canning factory; butchered their hogs and cattle; cured their meats and shared the fruits of their labor with one another. Once the needs of the community were met any surplus was taken to the nearby town and sold in order to purchase necessary items. Glenna enjoyed these wagon rides into town with the women of the community finding it an exciting adventure. As the Depression waned and the future brightened, Glenna’s family settled in Joplin, MO where she attended public schools, graduating in 1948. She married shortly after graduation and embarked upon raising a family. While this union was not everlasting, she was blessed with the first of her children; two sons. One evening, while visiting a local “hot spot” with co-workers, Glenna met a young Quapaw/Seneca-Cayuga Indian man; a musician with the dance band. A relationship soon developed and she and William L. “Bill” Conner were wed in 1953, a union which lasted until his passing in 1980. They made their home in Miami, OK; soon adding three daughters to the family. Glenna, Bill and children were active in tribal culture, traveling around Oklahoma and neighboring states attending pow-wows, dances and encampments. She became immersed in tribal culture and history learning beadwork and ribbon work as well as creating dance outfits for her children. She and Bill, along with various other families of the area, were instrumental in founding the American Indian Youth Club an organization which promoted tribal cultures among Indian youth. After Bill’s passing in 1980, Glenna continued to attend pow-wows and dances around Oklahoma with her daughters. They shared many fun times together often laughing about their escapades and predicaments, creating cherished memories. It was during these adventures when Glenna met a Southern Cheyenne Indian man, their friendship blossomed and she married Daniel Dru in 1986. Glenna’s marriage to Daniel exposed her to the culture and ways of the Cheyenne people and blessed her with the opportunity to participate in their Sun Dance ceremonials, a profound experience she forever cherished. She and Daniel, a drum maker, traveled throughout the state of Oklahoma participating in workshops and sharing knowledge of tribal culture. They also founded a Veteran’s Day Pow-Wow held annually until his passing in 1998. Glenna spent her adult life among Indian people, reared her children in the rich traditions of the Quapaw/Seneca-Cayuga tribal cultures and shared her knowledge of the Southern Cheyenne traditions. In 2009 she was honored as Princess of the 46th Annual Ottawa Pow-Wow, a major highlight of her long, fruitful life. She was also given the Southern Cheyenne name “ Vee-O-Ga” another honor she cherished. Glenna’s life, as everyone’s, was filled with highs and lows; joy and sorrow; laughter and tears, love and loss. Throughout it all, she remained adventuresome; proud; strong; courageous; loving and caring toward family, friends and all she loved. Glenna was preceded in death by her parents; husbands William L. “Bill” Conner and Daniel Dru and her youngest daughter, Treva Conner Spotted Horsechief. Survivors include sons, Cleetus Pattyson and wife Barbara; Dennis Conner and wife Janie, all of Joplin, MO; daughters, Delilah Popplewell and husband Richard of Tulsa, OK; Melissa Adams of Sapulpa, OK; Gayle Marriott of Rockport, TX; sister Mona Goodhope and husband Dan of Joplin, MO; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a soon to be born first great-great grandchild; special friends Sara Jones; Clyde Carter and family of Miami, OK; Malcom Whitebird of Greenfield, OK as well as numerous nieces, nephews and longtime friends. Glenna’s family will sit with her Thursday night, May, 22 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami, OK with services to be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 23 at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Geoff Buffalo officiating. Indian rites will be conducted by Dr. Kevin Dawes. Internment at G.A.R. Cemetery. Resource:Paul Thomas Funeral Home, (2013)

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