Mrs. Elsie May (Klugas) Bryant's Obituary
NHBP Tribal Elder walks on.
Elsie May Bryant, age 86, member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi died peacefully on December 26, 2015. Her soul was greeted by friends, relatives and ancestors who have taken the journey before her. She returned to live on with the Creator, the Great Spirit who created all living things. Elsie was born September 4, 1929 in Grand Haven, Michigan to Edward & Theresa (Shashaguay) Klugas. She married Marvin E. Bryant in 1952 who preceded her in death. She worked for Grand Haven Public Schools and loved the hundreds of children she was greeted by each day throughout her career.
She lived and loved every day of her life. She gave the gift of joy to everyone who knew her.
Elsie is survived by two daughters, Gail (Gregory) Robar and LouAnn Bryant; grandchildren, Wm. Donald Hines IV (Kim Hines), Scott Robar and Tricia (Ricky) Goerbig, and her great grandchildren, Connor & Rachel Hines, Baryn Robar, Landen, Taytum, Quintin & Collette Goerbig whom she cherished. She was their most loyal fan at all of their sporting events, soccer, swimming, baseball, football and wrestling, cheering them on with all of her heart. She is survived by one sister, Marie (Klugas) Wilthof and was preceded in death by her brothers Edward Klugas and William Johnson. Her brother Raymond Johnson was killed while serving in the Armed Forces during WWII.
She was active as a member of the Grand Haven VFW auxiliary and served for several years on the Color Guard for many military ceremonies. She was proud of her country and had great respect for those who served in the armed forces. She shared her talents with many veterans at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, keeping them warm with her handmade quilts.
“I give you this one thought to keep, I am with you still, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the sweet uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone-I am with you still in each new dawn.” (Native American Prayer)
A celebration of her life is planned for Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores (231) 798-1100. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. She will be laid to rest beside her parents at Lake Forest Cemetery, Grand Haven, MI
Memorial Contributions can be made to Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence, Norton Shores or The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Share memories with the family at their on line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com
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