Lorraine Bryant
courtesy photo
RONAN — Lorraine Ethel was born to Arthur Olson and Elsie Johnson Olson on Jan. 29, 1921, in Coteau, North Dakota. She passed away on Dec. 15, 2020, at The Pines of Mission, in St. Ignatius. She almost made it to 100.
Mom was the oldest of five siblings, Warren, Bob, Jim and Betty followed her — she outlived them all, so is celebrating a reunion now in heaven.
Mom married Ellsworth L. Bryant, better known as Bus, in April of 1940. They were married 48 years before his passing. Robert Franklin was born to them in 1942 in Wallace, Idaho, when dad worked in the mines. Cathleen Dianne was born in Kenmare, North Dakota, in September of 1945 while dad was off with the Merchant Marines during the war. Mom had gone home to be with her family on the farm.
Mom and Dad lived in or near Ronan since just after the war. Mom was a care-giver extraordinaire. Dad lost his foot as a result of an accident when he was hauling logs, so mom took care of him. Bob was paralyzed from a swimming accident and ended up a quadriplegic, so mom took care of him, even moving to Missoula with him so he could go to college. We were so glad when Bob found Carol Cullen, Mom was about worn out, but she was a tough old gal and lived many more years. She raised beautiful flowers, was an avid reader, mowed acres of lawn, and baked all sorts of scrumptious goodies. She spent her last seven plus years in The Pines, an assisted living facility in St. Ignatius. We thought they took wonderful care of her and are so thankful for them.
Mom is survived by me, Cathy, and her son-in-law, Nels Jensen; her daughter-in law, Carol Bryant; her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Libby) Reed, Nels M. Jensen (Mandy); Maynard Florence (Ami), Aaron Florence (Chrissie), Ennea Dailey (Pat), and Erica Collier (Shaun) and their families; great grandchildren: Dara Rodda, Logan Reed and N. Porter Jensen and great great-grandson Millo Rodda, Nissa, Jasen, Jayden and Erik Rodda. The grandkids especially loved their “Grama B” or “Grams,” she will be missed so much by so many. It is so hard to lose her, but she was worn out and so very ready to go.
We are planning a celebration of her life when it’s again safe to gather with a potluck and reminisce. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.
