Elaine E. Bryan was born February 8, 1924 in Herndon, Kansas, to John and Elizabeth (Goetl) Grafel. She passed away on February 18, 2020 in Topeka, KS at the age of 96.
Elaine grew up in Herndon and graduated from Herndon High School. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University, she taught a year in Hill City, Kansas. She taught at Herndon High School for over 25 years.
She married Floyd B. Bryan on August 19, 1947 in Herndon, KS. They lived on a farm north of Traer for 40 years. They moved to Oberlin in 1987. She then moved to Topeka in 2016. Elaine was a member of the United Methodist Church of Oberlin and the United Methodist Women. She loved reading, working at the public libraries, and participating in community service projects.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd in 2005; brothers, Wayne and J. W. Grafel, and sister, LaVerna Sallans. She is survived by her son, Floyd L. (Dale Marie) Bryan of Farlington, KS; daughters, Corinne (David) Denton of Topeka, KS and Susan (Kevin) Renk of Plainville, KS; sister, Shirley Jones of Quinter, KS; grandchildren: Blayne Bryan, Bethany Bryan, Ben Bryan, Bayley Daues, Allison Jones, Matthew Renk, Selby Richardson, Dustin Denton, and Stephanie Tulley, and 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin. Burial will follow at the Oberlin Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00-7:00 pm Friday, February 21, 2020 also at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Oberlin or the Oberlin Library. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com