Beulah “Bea” Delpine Bryant passed away on April 6, 2024, at the age of 91 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born on August 15, 1932, in Pomeroy, Iowa, Bea was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.
Bea attended grade school in Palmer, IA, and high school in Pocahontas, IA. She attended Buena Vista College, then Iowa State College, where she met the love of her life, Russell Bryant. They married in 1954 in Pomeroy, IA. They moved their family for Russ’s military service and career, including Ames, IA, Vinton, IA, Denver, CO, Rapid City, SD, and St. Louis, MO. In 1966, they moved to Washta, IA to raise their children on the family farm. When Russ passed away in 2008, Bea moved to Ames, IA to be closer to her children and grandchildren. In 2016, she moved to Colorado Springs to be near her daughters and their families. She found a wonderful home at Liberty Heights Independent Living, where she discovered a hidden talent- watercolor painting. Last month, she was the featured artist at their annual art show. Her social life blossomed and she had the best view of Pikes Peak imaginable. Bea was known for her kind and loving nature, instantly endearing herself to everyone she met. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as her many friends. Bea had an easy laugh and a great sense of humor. Her joy for life was infectious, and her gentle spirit will be deeply missed. Bea was a dedicated wife and mother, and she worked for several years in the Iowa State University Food Service Department once she moved to Ames, IA. She found joy in hobbies such as gardening, sewing, needlepoint, quilting, watercolor art, pencil drawing, reading, playing games with friends, traveling, and volunteering. Bea was a fantastic cook and baker. Her famous banana bread recipe is still being utilized at the Grand Meadow Heritage Center’s annual Heritage Days. She was actively involved as a 4-H leader, a member of Cherokee County Cowbelles, a Sunday school teacher, and in various church women’s circles. Bea is survived by her sons Steve (Penni) Bryant, John (Tina) Bryant; daughters Joan (John) Kennedy, Jill Jensen, Carol (Jason) Hein, Julie Bryant; grandchildren Josh (Liz) Bryant, Erin (Tom) Hackett, Emma (Jordan) Estrada, Zack (Chelsea) Kennedy, Kaitlyn (Angel) Rivera, Dane (Josie) Jensen, Claire Jensen, Seth Bryant, Jacob Hein, Tyler Hein, Lucas Hein, Zoe Chavez; and 14 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law o (Becky) Bryant, Roger Bryant; sister-in-law Milli Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Juvey and Oscar Anderson, husband Russell Bryant, son David Bryant, son-in-law Mike Jensen, great-granddaughter Samantha Estrada; and siblings Robert Anderson, Erma (Floyd) Dirks, Roger (Anna Mae) Anderson, and Howard Anderson. Visitation for family and friends will take place at Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home at 216 South 2nd Street Cherokee, Iowa on Thursday, April 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life for Bea will be held at Meadow Star Church at 6506 C Ave, Washta, Iowa on Friday April 19 at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Grand Meadow Cemetery. Reception following burial at Grand Meadow Heritage Center Barn at 6306 D Avenue, Washta. www.grandmeadowheritage.org In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Grand Meadow Heritage Center, 6306 D Avenue Washta, IA, 51061, in memory of Bea Bryant.
