Gayla Ann Burns-Heusser completed her journey in the morning hours of October 12, 2023, at the age of 67, at her home in Springtown, Texas. Gayla was born to Gary Dale and Clara Mae Burns on November 19, 1955, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Together they raised Gayla and her siblings in Tonkawa, OK.

Gayla graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1974. Afterward, she traveled to Alaska in search of adventure. There she made many lifelong friends and met the love of her life, Michael Alan Heusser. Excited to start their new lives together on August 31, 1979, the two were married in Anchorage, Alaska. They raised three children in a place she handpicked for the access to trails and mountain views, Chugiak, Alaska.

Gayla is remembered for her love of horses, animals, and adventure. Many have fond memories of her getting a horse or truck stuck in the mud while out on an adventure. Over the years, she visited Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, to name a few. In addition to horseback riding, she had many other hobbies including snow machining, boating, camping, hiking, shooting, gardening, reading, and quilting.

Gayla had an amazing personality and loved storytelling. She made friends wherever she went. She was known for treating others with kindness and warmth. She always put others first. Gayla treasured spending time with her beloved family, especially her grandchildren.

Gayla is preceded in death by her beloved father Gary Dale Burns Sr.; brother Gary Dale Burns Jr.; nephew Trey Burns; niece Misty Walton; grandson Kyle Hebert; mother-in-law Nancy Fitzhugh; horses Little Red and Amigo, and dog Autumn. Gayla is survived by: her husband Michael Alan Heusser; mother Clara Mae Cavett; siblings Sherry (Zeke) Walton and Timothy (Katherine) Burns; nephews Shayne Burns, Toby Walton and Carter Burns; niece Paula (Rhett) Unruh; children: Lisa (Jeff) Jenney, Laura Trevino, and Scott Heusser; four grandchildren: Ethan, Nicholas, Denali, and River. Additionally, she leaves behind her beloved horses Shiloh and Jake and dogs Wally, Maverick, and Lola.

Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts that will be impossible to fill. As we move forward, Gayla will be greatly missed. Her personality had a warmth that cannot be put into words. Her ashes will join her fathers at The Tonkawa Order of the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her name to any animal charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Tonkawa, 505 Thunderbird Rd, Tonkawa, OK 74653.

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