Barbara Mae Bryant

Barbara Mae Bryant, daughter of Charles and Lilly Swenson Root, was born November 7, 1928 in Monrovia, California. She departed this life Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in her home in Camdenton, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, ten months, and thirteen days. On December 28, 1952, Barbara was united in marriage to Eddie Bryant, and to this union two children were born. Her parents; two sisters, Dorothy McDonnell and Irene Rogers, preceded Barbara in death. Barbara is survived by her husband of nearly sixty-four years, Eddie, of the home; a son, Brad Bryant and wife Chris, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri; a daughter, Ronda Arnold and husband Ross, of Panama City, Florida; her grandchildren, Gena O’Leary and husband Jon, of Surprise, Arizona, Paul Strauser, of Apple Valley, California, Dustin Bryant and wife Vanessa, of Winfield, Iowa, and Chelsea Bryant, of St. Louis, Missouri; her great-grandchildren, Jaren, Tori, and Aiden Risner, Eli and Cashton Bryant, and Zoe O’Leary; a brother, Jim Root, of Independence, Missouri; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and many dear friends. Barbara was born in California and moved with her family to Independence, Missouri at an early age and was a graduate of William Chrisman High School. She began her career in dance and dance instruction at an early age. She owned and operated Cavanaugh Dance School with her sister, Irene, from 1946 until 1959. Barbara and Eddie moved to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1959, at which point she opened her own studio, Barbara Bryant Dancers. She operated the studio until her retirement in 2012. She was a member of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artist, Inc. They performed annually in Missouri, New York, California, Texas, Oklahoma and more. Barbara had a passion for dancing and continued to dance until just shortly before her passing. Barbara and Eddie also owned and operated Holly Aire Resort and Red Apple Restaurant for many years. She was also active in her community and served as President of the American Business Women’s Association, and had been honored with the Woman of the Year award on two separate occasions. She was also a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star as well as the Sunrise Beach Little Theatre, where she served as the director of the Easter pageant for many years. In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, boating, golfing, and spending time with her family and many friends. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and many accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories she has created for her family and many dear friends. Memorial services for Barbara will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Sunrise Beach Little Theater or the American Cancer Society and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.