Linda Bryan

Linda L. Bryan, age 81, of rural Bryant passed away on Tuesday June 13, 2023, at her residence.

She was born in Bryant on Sept. 20, 1941, the daughter of Melvin and Doris (Hough) Runyon the youngest of seven children. She was married on May 9, 1959, to A.J. Bryan who survives.

She was a Jay County Schools bus driver for over 40 years. She loved driving bus, even though a few mailboxes, poles and chickens didn’t like her driving. She was an avid nature lover, gardener, fisherman, farmer and hog farmer who could drive farm equipment better than most. She was also quite the cook because no recipe ever tasted the same way twice because she never remembered how she’d made it before, according to her devoted husband, the love of her life for 64 years, A.J. and her favorite son Joe. She said that Jackie was her favorite daughter-in-law but it’s believed that it’s because after 30-plus years she succeeded in making her “Waltonish” when everyone thought it was impossible.

She leaves behind her greatest legacy, her grandsons AJ and Derek, whom she loved beyond measure.

She was up for any adventure, including death-defying stunts with her grandsons. She always had a smile and a compliment for everyone. The world has lost a bright light and a beautiful soul.

Surviving are her husband A.J. Bryan of Bryant; one son, Joe Bryan (wife: Jackie) of Portland; two sisters, Rita Leggett of Bryant and Sally Mittlestedt (husband: Jim) of Florida; and two grandsons, AJ and Derek Bryan.

There will be no funeral services.

Memorials can be made to The Jay County Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.