The spirit of Faye E. Bryan, 87, of Wasta departed Thursday, July 28, 2016, after her brief stay at Hans P. Peterson Hospital, Philip.
She was the daughter of William and Ida Norton, born September 3, 1928, at Wall. During her childhood the family moved to Hot Springs and Spearfish, then returned to Wall. Faye especially remembered her instructors in elementary classrooms at Black Hills Teachers College.
After graduating from Wall High School in 1946, Faye married George Bryan. Together they purchased the ranch north of Wall where they lived for fifty years. Because of George's declining health, they left the ranch and moved to Wasta in 1996. Faye worked outdoors beside George throughout their married life. The book which she did not write was "The Cook Wore Spurs." She was passionate about the Arabian horses they raised and kept meticulous records of their bloodlines. Among her many friends are those whom they met through the Arabian Horse Association.
Faye was a many-faceted person. She was a frugal but astute business woman with keen interests in astronomy, nature in all its forms, politics, history, poetry and music. Her collection of books covered a wide range of topics and she kept a daily journal. Leather toolings which she did in years past are works of art. Not one to be left behind by ever-changing technology, Faye mastered the computer and used e-mail, Facebook and Twitter to stay in contact with friends.
Survivors include her older brother, Clayton Norton, Tigard, OR, and his son and daughter, Bill and Shirley; several Bryan and Wood nieces and nephews and an ever-widening circle of friends, all of whom will miss her companionship. Her spirit was preceded to the great beyond by those of her parents; spouse, George, in 2001; many favorite horses; and long-time feline companion, Giddy.
Honoring Faye's request, no service will be held. Instead, she asked that family and friends throw a party. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wall Golf Course on Saturday, October 8, 2016, from 11 am to 2 p.m.
Cards and memorials may be sent to Faye Bryan Memorial c/o Sheila Drees, P.O. Box 144, Wall, SD 57790.
Guest Book
My grandfather introduced me to Faye and George when I was in high school. I was left with the impression that these were folks who were above the norm. I always respected and thought most highly of them. Faye I'm happy that you and George are now having one heck of a good time in heaven!
~ Sonja Wernke
Herriman, UT (8/14/2016)
Ride on Faye
~ Betty Bryan
Mitchell (7/29/2016)
I grew up knowing Faye. She and George were good friends of my Dad. All were great horseman, who appreciated a good horse and all it could do. My last visit with Faye were shared memories of them riding together. She was a strong, smart, independent woman, yet she had a kind and loving heart that welcomed everyone in. A great role model for girls then and now. Thank you Faye, you will be remembered and missed by many.
~ Cherry Denke
Quinn, SD (7/30/2016)
What a strong progressive woman who is a mentor to all.
~ Lea (Willuweit) Ymker
Armour SD (10/3/2016)
Faye was a great lady and will be missed!
~ Brett Blasius
Wall, SD (7/29/2016)
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your dear loved one. Please accept my condolences at this painful time. Losing a loved one is distressing and as comfort is needed from family and friends, it is my hope your family will find comforting the promise at Isaiah 25:8 where we are assured that "death will be swallowed up forever." It is my hope your family will find strength to endure during the days ahead.
~ Jori
North Carolina (9/29/2016)
Faye will forever by my childhood heroine. A horsewoman to be admired and an individual worth knowing. Happy trails Faye.
~ Lyndy Williams Ireland
Philip, SD (7/29/2016)
She was an amazing woman and turned out to be my BFF and she took her final ride on her horse as she wished
~ SHEILA DREES
(7/29/2016)
Faye was one of my favorite people to take care of. She was a delightful person and I will miss her. Condolences to the family and f.
Faye was one of my favorite people to take care of when she was at the hospital in Philip. She was a delightful person to be around and to talk with. I will miss her very much. Condolences to the family and friends.
~ Hazel Rowcliffe
Philip, SD (8/1/2016)
When I used to go west to ride in the mountains with Julie Schlenker, we'd stop at George and Faye's place for an overnight. What great times we had! Now both are gone. Ride on, dear lady.
~ Sandra Hugus
Promise City, Iowa (7/30/2016)
when I was a kid,my mother would oftentimes take me out to George & Fayes to ride & learn how to treat a horse with kindness and respect. What a lady!
~ Boyce Kathy Kennedy @ Family
wall (8/1/2016)
Faye was one of my favorite cowgirls! I can still see her waltz thru the lobby with her cowboy boots and western skirt! She was our Dale Evans! Gonna miss her dearly!
~ Judy & Paul Goldhammer
Wall sd 57790 (10/7/2016)
Prayers to the family, so sorry for our loss.....she was a wonderful lady
~ Lonnie & Teri Ann Arneson
Elm Springs, SD (8/1/2016)
I was blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing this amazing woman. I only got to know her for a short time but she made an impression on me that will last forever. What an amazing lady. She was important to me. I will miss her dearly.
~ Kassie Kukal
Kadoka (7/29/2016)
Knew this wonderful woman for way too short of time. From the moment I met her I thought I had known her forever. So very interesting and real. Love you lady and miss you.
~ Maralynn Burns
Philip (7/29/2016)