Marlene Bryant

Marlene Mae Bryant, was born in Oakland, Iowa, on June 18, 1936. She was the daughter of Max and Dorothy (Wilson) Green. She graduated from Oakland High School in 1954, before furthering her studies at a business school in Omaha. On June 19th, 1955, she married her High School Sweetheart, Robert Gene Bryant. They had three children, Christy, Robert, and Melissa. Marlene stayed home to raise her children and spend time with her horses on the farm. When her husband, Robert, passed away in 1992, Marlene went back to college to get a degree as a medical assistant. She then pursued a career at the Midwest Eye Clinic. After retiring from the Midwest Eye Clinic, Marlene took a job closer to home at Rem Leadway, where she enjoyed painting and crafting with the residents.

Marlene was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed traveling to new places, learning about her family history, and most of all, spending time with her beloved horses. Marlene was very knowledgeable about thoroughbred racing, and was an active member of the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (ITBOA). Marlene loved watching the horse races, and had a lot of fun sharing her love of horses with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends.

Marlene Mae Bryant, left this world unexpectedly on April 7, 2025, at the age of 88 years, 9 months, and 20 days, in Avoca, Iowa. Marlene is survived by her son, Bob Bryant and his wife Diana of Avoca, Iowa; five grandchildren: Kacie Aistrope and husband Kris, along with their daughter Kollyns, of Tabor, Iowa; Josh Bryant and wife Tina, with children Cameryn and Bryce, of Avoca, Iowa; Lindsay Martin and her husband Mark Smedinghoff, and their children Caitlan and Noah, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Dylan Martin and son Nolan, of San Diego, California; and Shane Mangold of Denver, Colorado; son-in-law Dennis Martin of Las Vegas, Nevada; and sister-in-law Amelia Bryant of Alexandria, Virginia. She is also survived by her nieces, Kay Gibbons, Julie Johnston, and Susan Johnston, and their families. Each of these dear ones carries a piece of Marlene with them, and we know they will keep her spirit alive in their hearts. She is now joined into eternal rest with her late husband, Robert, her mother and father, Max and Dorothy (Wilson) Green; her daughters, Christy and Melissa; her grandson Colin; and her sister Patty.