Cleota Gwen Bryan

Cleota Bryan, age 90, of Avon, SD, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 5-6pm with prayer service and rosary at 6pm on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre, SD.

Funeral services will be 11am on Friday, June 13, 2025 at St. John Catholic Church in Fort Pierre, SD.

Burial will be in Scotty Phillip Cemetery at Fort Pierre.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVESTREAM OF FUNERAL SERVICE.

Cleota was born on May 25, 1935, in Murdo, SD, to Lester and Pauline (Krogman) Stromer and was raised in White River, SD. After the passing of her mother during childbirth, Cleota stepped in at a young age to help raise her younger siblings-Alvin, Wayne, and Darlene.

Cleota graduated from White River High School in 1953. She later earned her degree from Sinte Gleska University and went on to dedicate part of her life to teaching. That same year she graduated high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Willard Bryan. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and hard work. They were blessed with five children: Debbie Carroll of Murdo, SD; Julie Mehrer of Avon, SD; Justin (Pam) Bryan of Oacoma, SD; Jason (Rose) Bryan of Milton, FL; and Tessa (David Becker) Myers of Yankton, SD.

Cleota had many passions that brought joy to her and those around her. She was a gifted seamstress and embroiderer and took pride in her canning, gardening, and growing beautiful flowers. She had a soft spot for cats and a special love for collecting teapots. Her home was a place of warmth and comfort, filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals and the sound of laughter.

She was the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren-Ashton, Shay, Logan, Shane, Sheena, Dusty, Tami, Shawna, Gregory, Jade, Philip, Tait, Tyler, Tracy, and Dominique-as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She loved each of them deeply and took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments.

Cleota is survived by her children and grandchildren; her brothers, Alvin (Dorothy) Stromer and Wayne (Patti) Stromer; her sister-in-law Sharon LeTellier; her brother-in-law Charles Bryan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Willard Bryan; her sister, Darlene (Mickey) Harrison; her grandson, Philip Dobbin; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

She will be remembered for her sharp wit, curiosity, and love of Diet Coke. Her legacy lives on in the hands she held, the lives she nurtured, and the traditions she passed down.