Joella Orlet Bryan

JoElla was born in Milan, Minnesota to Bennie O. Benson and Amanda Mork Benson on January 24, 1924. JoElla is finally at peace in God's loving arms, after several years of failing health problems. She passed on February 8, 2015. JoElla grew up on a family run farm, the oldest daughter of nine children; seven grew up surrounded by a large Norwegian Lutheran family and community. After graduating from Milan High School, she went to Northwestern Nursing School, Minneapolis, MN through the World War II Cadet Nursing Program. Cadet Nurses finished training and were placed in Public Health Hospitals. JoElla was sent to Talihina, OK where George Huston Bryan and his brother Richard (Moe) were picking up supplies for their family dairy. When the train came into the railway station, the young men stopped to look at the new cadet nurses. That was the first time he saw the young nurse JoElla and told his brother, I'm going to marry her someday. After their courtship started, George with his brother Richard and several other local men, traveled to Oregon looking for work. JoElla joined George and they were married in Drain by the Justice of the Peace. JoElla worked at the Roseburg Veteran Hospital until the birth of her third of four children. JoElla was active in the lives of her children, room mother, Blue Bird leader and all the things it takes to raise four children, involved in school activities, scouting, band and 4-H. Sunday mornings, George and JoElla enjoyed a cup of coffee while the children attended Sunday school at Faith Lutheran Church then returned for church service. JoElla enjoyed time with her pinochle group, the church quilting group as well as the community activities in Dixonville. JoElla did return to nursing at different times after the children in school. Homemaking was what she enjoyed; she was a good cook and sister: as Adeline, a great pie baker. She will be missed by her husband of almost 68 years, George. JoElla is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Orville, Earl and Kermit and son; Steven Craig Bryan. JoElla is survived by her sisters: Adeline, Margaret, and brother Bob; sister-in-law Gladys: her children: daughter & husband, Karen and Tim Johnston; Steven's widow Frances Bryan; son, Richard Bryan; daughter, Janice Bryan. Grandchildren: Elizabeth & Bill Dean; Darren & Leeann Fitzgerald Young, son Makana; Matthew & Allie Bryan, son Dorian; Adam Bryan; Sarah & Greg Baird, son Isaiah; Mary Hunt. The family would like to thank all the people who have made the last few years special. Most of all the wonderful caregivers; starting with Tenya W., Judy N, Terry J., Kay M., Krystal M., Dawn M., Mandy N. and Linda P. These ladies gave her such excellent care, that she was able to remain at home until the end. The Hospice nurses were also a great blessing to the family.

George and JoElla decided many years ago not to have any public services. JoElla believed that life was meant for the living and be active with your family and friends. So spend time with your loved ones because once they are gone you can't change the past. At a future date the family will have a celebration of life to share memories of JoElla's life.