Obituary of Garoldene Bryant

Garoldene Dorothy Mills was born August 7, 1921 in Erie, Michigan. She was one of ten children born from the union of the late Frank George Mills and the late Mary Estella (Cornprobst) Mills. In 1938, she married Raymond Brubaker and the couple had seven children. In 1965, she married William Dal Bryant. Garoldene or "Deanie" as she was warmly referred to was a devoted member of Eagles Nest Community Church. Deanie had two passions in life; her God and her family. She loved spending time with her children, especially having picnics. Her hobbies included making blankets for her grandchildren, baking, and bird watching. Deanie was a generous, giving, compassionate person who always wanted to share what was hers. She was blessed with hospitality and never knew a stranger. Garoldene Dorothy Bryant, age 90, a lifelong area resident passed away peacefully at 11:57am, Monday, July 23, 2012 at the IHM Health Care Center. Her passing in addition to her husband, William was preceded by four brothers: Wayne, Kenneth, and Melvin Mills, twin brother: Gerald Mills; four sisters: Velma Salow, Thelma Jacobs, Lois VanEchoutte, and infant sister: Jennette Mills. Garoldene leaves to cherish her memory seven children: Melvin Brubaker of Huntsville, Texas, Rita (Raymond) Cline of Winterhaven, Florida, Janet Cox of Winterhaven, Phyllis Rhodes, Bonnie (Lloyd) Sorter, Sally (William) Patterson, and John "Jack" Brubaker all of Monroe; twenty-three grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Helen (John) Walentowski of Temperance; a sister-in-law: Rose Mills of Erie; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 5:00pm until 9:00pm; Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Friday, July 27, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, 630 North Monroe Street with the Rev. Ronald Schultz pastor of the church officiating. Procession will follow to Erie Union Cemetery for burial. In lieu of flowers memorials for those who desire are suggested to the IHM Sisters or to Eagle's Nest Community Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, send a floral arrangement, or make a donation by visiting ww.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.