Juanita Bryant

Juanita Mae Bryant, 89, passed away Feb. 24, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in Spokane, Wash., on Aug. 24, 1924, and raised on the family farm in Kalispell by her grandmother Rose Strauss. They sold produce, and got their milk and butter from the family cow. Juanita went to elementary school at Edgerton through grade six, and completed the eighth grade.

In 1943, she married Harold “Bud” Hembd. After 23 years of marriage, Juanita and Bud were divorced.

Juanita later met Virgil Bryant, and they were married in 1969. They were very active in the Montana Fiddlers’ Association and the Eagles.

She is survived by her sons Dick Hembd, of Columbia Falls, Dan Hembd, of Kalispell, Don Hembd, of Palm Springs, Calif., Gary Hembd and wife Michele, of Kalispell, and Dennis Hembd and wife Linda, of Redlands, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; cousins Velma Aridson, Jeannie Toaves and Donna Simmons, of Columbia Falls, and Rose and Virgil Manning, and Pat Basler, of Spokane.

Funeral services will be held at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, in Kalispell, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at 2 p.m. followed by graveside services. A celebration of life will follow afterward at the Eagles Hall.