Miriam ( Wenger) Bryan, of Powhattan, passed away with family by her side, July 30, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living Community in Hiawatha, at the age of 96.
Miriam was born November 11, 1929, at the Horton Community Hospital, youngest of four children born to Carl and Myrtle (Jones) Wenger.
She attended grade school at Green Valley country school (District 82) 1st-6th grades prior to graduating from Powhattan Grade School 7th & 8th grades. She graduated from Powhattan High School with the class of 1947. The fall of 47’, she went to Topeka where she attended Strictler’s Business College. She was called home June 1948 to keep house for her father and brother Virgil. Miriam was home on the farm till May 1951.
Miriam, Betty (Wenger) Barnes, and Agnes (Schuetz) Finger, rented an apartment in Topeka where they all found jobs. She worked for at Forbes Supply Depot from 1951 until 1955.
Miriam married the love of her life James W. ‘Jim’ Bryan, January 29, 1951. She was took care of their Topeka home and raised her family from 1955 until 1975, when she went to work at Josten’s Year Book Company (Fall of 1975), until she retired in December 1989.
Survivors include two sons: Douglas Bryan (Rhonda), Kent Bryan (Pati); 4 grandchildren: Jason (Kati), Travis (Morgan), Alaire (Justin), Danielle (James); and ten great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim, brothers Virgil Wenger, Dale Wenger, and sister Vivian Wenger.
She was looking forward to the Wenger Reunion to be held later this month where she was pleased to claim the title “The Oldest Present”.
The family will receive friends starting at 10 a.m. Friday, August 7, at the Powhattan Methodist Church, with services to follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Angela Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Powhattan Cemetery.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home Thursday until 5 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Powhattan Methodist Church or Auxiliary to Wenger American Legion of Powhattan, in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St, Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
