Melba Ruth was born February 19, 1925 to Paul David and Ida Mae Funkhouser in Kiowa County, OK southwest of Hobart.  She was raised in Hobart and graduated from Hobart High School in 1943 before attending the University of Oklahoma.  In October 1945, she married Junior D. (J.D.) Bryan, also of Hobart.  The couple resided in Altus, then Plainview, TX.  In 1950, their first child, Karen Kay, was born, and in 1951, their second, Joe Paul.

 

In 1953, the family moved to Waynoka, OK and in 1963 to Watonga, OK where Mr. Bryan managed C.R. Anthony department stores.  Mrs. Bryan worked at Anthony's part time, continuing a long tradition of work she began as a teenager and continued through college.

Mrs. Bryan was active in a number of community service activities.  She was a member of Mother's Self Culture Club (a club begun by Edna Ferguson, P.E.O., Watonga Book Review Club, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and was a founding and long-time member of the Watonga Hospital Auxiliary.  In 1997, she was commended by the Oklahoma Historical Society for distinguished service in the cause of preserving and understanding the History of Oklahoma.

Mrs. Bryan had a number of hobbies including china painting, raising violets and iris, and reading.

Mrs. Bryan was a faithful Christian.  She was baptized into Christ in Hobart, participated in the Bible Chair at the University of Oklahoma, and was an active member of the Church in all the cities in which she lived.

Mrs. Bryan was preceded in eternal life by her daughter, Karen Kay (who was married to Eugene Thilsted) and a sister, Letha May Altman.  She is survived by her husband of 61 years, J.D.; her son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Teresa Bryan, of McLean, VA; three grand children; Robert Thilsted of Houston, Paul Bryan of Abilene, TX and Jenee Bryan of Nashville, TN; and a brother, Joe Funkhouser of Hobart, OK.

Mrs. Bryan was an exemplary wife, mother, public servant and follower of Christ.  her life serves as an inspiration and encouragement to all.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Christ on North Leach at 10:30 am in Watonga with burial at the Hobart Cemetery.  Wilkinson Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions my be made to the Watonga Hospital Foundation or Hospital Auxiliary or to Lariat Creek Christian Camp.

Watonga Hospital Auxiliary
c/o Watonga Municipal Hospital
Attn: Alma Rehlan, Treasurer
500 N. Clarence Nash Blvd.
Watonga, OK  73772

Watonga Hospital Foundation
PO Box 988
Watonga, OK  73772

Lariat Creek Christian Camp
RR 1, Box 39B
Geary, OK  73040