BRYAN, Mildred Cleo "Millie" (Barnaby) - b. March 23, 1917 - d. January 22, 2018

[patyrn]

Mildred Cleo (Barnaby) Bryan, 100, of Independence, Kansas, passed away January 22, 2018 at Labette Hospital in Independence, Kansas.  She was born March 23, 1917 in Longton, Kansas to Odd Samuel "Sam" and Jessie (Draper) Barnaby, born fifth of eleven children.

Millie graduated from Longton High School in 1935.  She moved from Longton to Independence, Kansas and met James Franklin "Jimmie" Bryan when he was driving a Dr. Pepper truck.  They started their courtship a  year later.  They traveled to Kingman, Arizona and were married on June 6, 1939 and then settled in Oatman, Arizona for three years where their first son, James, was born.  In June 1942, they returned to Independence, Kansas.  A couple of years later, Jimmie was drafted into the United States Army.  While he was serving, Millie managed the home front.  After Jimmie's time in the service, they bought a farm where their daughter, Connie was born.  In 1956, they moved back into Independence, where their son, Kim was born.  Millie kept busy caring for her children and babysitting to earn extra family income.  She enrolled in Independence Beauty College in 1964 and graduated in 1965.  She then opened her own business, Millie's Beauty Salon.  After Jimmie passed away suddenly on July 14, 2006, Millie remained in their home until 2014 when she moved into an apartment. 

Millie was famous with friends and relatives in Independence for her cinnamon rolls.  She was well-known by owning and operating her beauty salon for many years.  Her time was enjoyed with her family of three children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.  She celebrated her 100th birthday last March.  Her reasoning for her long life at 100 years of age were: 1. Keep brain and legs working daily.  2.  Eat three balanced meals each day.  3.  Walk every day.  She would walk 1 1/2 to 2 miles daily up until the age of 95.

Those left to cherish the memory of Millie are sons, Jim Bryan of Jefferson City, Missouri and Kim (Stephanie) Bryan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; daughter, Connie (Frank) Stewart of West Linn, Oregon; foster child, Darrell Boulanger of Boulanger, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  Preceding Millie in death were her parents; her brothers; her sisters; and her husband, James.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Webb & Rodrick Chapel in Independence, Kansas.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Grace Memorial United Methodist Church, 109 S. 13th Street, Independence, Kansas.  Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Memorial United Methodist Church and may be left with the chapel.  To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Webb & Rodrick Chapel, 306 W. Main, Independence, Kansas 67301.

(taken from the Webb & Rodrick Chapel website)