Rutha Bryant

Rutha (Harvey) Bryant, 102 and 1/2, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in the early hours of October 25th, surrounded by her doting family.

Born in Red Fork, Oklahoma to Florence and Thomas Harvey, Rutha was raised by her elder sister Edrie. She shared a lifelong bond with her twin sister Retha, who was opposite in temperament yet perfectly complementary, a contrast that brought both balance and adventure to their lives.

Rutha met the love of her life, Wayne "Bud" Bryant, on a blind date to Crystal City Amusement Park. Together they shared over 50 years of marriage filled with family and lots of laughter. They loved raising their children, Ann and David, and always made sure to gather together on Sunday evenings for Bonanza. During their retirement, they traveled across the United States in their fifth-wheel RV, exploring national parks and creating countless memories.

A seamstress by trade, Rutha's hands were rarely still, whether she was sewing matching Easter dresses for her granddaughters, working on jigsaw puzzles, doing the daily cryptoquote, or tending to her prolific garden. Well into her mid-90s, she could be seen taking her daily walks through the neighborhood and River Parks.

Rutha delighted in the simple pleasures of life, chicken enchiladas and a breakfast of last night's dessert with a cup of coffee. She was a voracious reader who made regular trips to the library and local thrift store, filling bags with books to take home. Once she'd read her way through them, she'd return the stack and start all over again with a new batch, a tradition she had kept since childhood.

She was a devoted member of West Tulsa United Methodist Church. Known as one of the most faithful attendees of the church's pancake breakfasts, she rarely missed a chance to bring her family, sometimes a dozen or more, to share in the sweet treats and fellowship.

Rutha is survived by her daughter Ann (Bob) Lang of Dallas, Texas, son David (Susan) Bryant of Tulsa, grandsons Josh Lang and Jeff (Laura) Lang, granddaughters Jamie Lang, Bethanie (Bhadri) Verduzco, Molly (Ryan Gentzler) Bryant, as well as her great-grandchildren Noa, Asher, Connor, Audrey, Bryant, Zephyr, and Juno, and her beloved dog Arlo.

Rutha's warmth, resilience, and unmatched quirkiness will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind a family that adored her and a community that was better for her presence.