Ruth Belle Bryant “Grandma”, 98, of Amo, left her earthly being on April 12, 2017. Services will be held at Amo Baptist Church on Friday, April 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. for fellowship, with a celebration of her life beginning at 7 p.m. Ruth will also be returning to her reservation for an Indian Wake at a later date. Internment will be in Red Lake, Minnesota.
Ruth was the oldest female of the Red Lake Chippewa Nation in Minnesota. She was the granddaughter of Peter Graves, a great tribal chief. Her Indian name was Bedoshequay (Be-doshe-quay) meaning “Go with the wind.”
Ruth was born March 10, 1919. She was a preemie, as she has told the story many times. Her little shoes were doll shoes to start out. Despite her hardships, she defied the odds being born on the reservation with limited medical support. She proved even as an infant to be a survivor.
Ruth was the 3rd child of 10 born to Nancy Ellis Graves. Her father, John Graves, died at the early age of 38.
Ruth attended boarding school as the government required. After high school, she completed a business course at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas.
Ruth met her husband, Ernest Bryant, while he was on a fishing trip in Minnesota. As he often said, “he went fishing and she caught a sucker.”
Ernest and Ruth were married in 1941. They were married 53 years before his death in 1994.
Ruth worked for Civil Service during her work career. First at the Department of Agriculture and retiring from work with the Railroad Retirement Board in 1994.
Ruth loved her family and was proud of her Indian heritage. She enjoyed watching tennis, playing scrabble, BINGO, playing cards, and doing crosswords. She was proud that until the last couple of months that she lived independent in her own home by herself.
Ruth is survived by her son, James (Linda) Bryant of Clayton; daughter, Donna (Dennis) Watson of Amo; grandchildren, Kristina (Keenan) Feltner, Eric (Heather) Watson, Jason (Jennifer) Bryant, Stephanie (George) Bacon, Mischelle Bulmer, Tony Crosby, Joseph (Bianca) Bryant, and Jonathan (Bobbi) Bryant; great grandchildren, Lauren, Jared, Braden, and Rissa Feltner, Daniel (Sierra) Watson, Brooke, Matthew, Kayla, Ethan, and Helena Bryant, Jordan and Bayley Watson, Jaymacin, Delaney, and Rylee Bacon, Miranda (Matthew) Curtis, and Xander and Vivien Bryant; great-great grandchildren, Owen Watson, Cole Middleton, and Harvey and Freya Curtis; and a special friend and caregiver, Virginia (John) Williams and their daughter, Karly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; daughter-in-law, Iris Bryant; and great grandchild, Stormy Bryant.
Ruth will be deeply missed by all her family and friends, especially her feistiness and her love for others.
Christy says
Grandma Bryant, I still called you that until this day. Even tho we weren’t family anymore I still considered you as grandma. I’m so blessed to get to know you. And that the kids got to know what a wonderful person you were. R.I.P Grandma Bryant you will be missed.
Wanda Whetsel Proctor says
I remember your kindness and tolerance of Donna and me when we would pull our shenanigans. You were so kind. I will never forget your smile and the welcome you always extended to me growing up. You will be missed.
Emily Carter says
Anyone who ever had the privilege of knowing this wonderful woman knew how great she was! Her strength has always amazed me. I’ll never forget my own Grandma took me over there and I’ll always remember her and Mr Bryant’s kindness. My condolences to each of her family members. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days.
Mary Graves says
Rest in peace, aunty Ruth, We all loved you very much. My dad Kenny & the rest of the Graves family will be there waiting for you. loving remembrance of you. Your niece Mary Graves
LORETTA J SCHWARZ says
Gerald Gussie Graves family wish to express our sympathy in the loss of a very kind and lovable person. Gerry and I visited the family when Donna and James were very young. In 2002, Karen Graves Pyrch and I visited Ruth who was a very gracious host. May God bless you all with comfort and grace as you grieve the loss of Ruth who enhanced the lives of many.
Loretta Graves Schwarz
Sharol Graves says
I remember Aunt Ruth’s laughter when she played cards with my sister Karen and other relatives. we had such a good time when we rode ponies with Donna & Jimmy. Ernie, my Dad Gerald and mother Loretta were there too. I will always remember and love her. I hope to see you all again, someday.