Lila Grace Bryan

Lila GRACE Bryan, 95, passed away on February 16, 2026. Grace was born to the late Elmer Emerson and Lillie Theresa (Thomas) Winans on February 18, 1930, in Adams County, Indiana. She joined 3 brothers, and was followed by 2 brothers.

Her childhood was spent on the Winans family farm near Pleasant Mills, where she shared many adventures with her brothers. Grace worked hard to help support her family. She took on a caretaking role early in life by helping her grandmother, Isabel Archer Winans, who lived with the family. She continued as a caretaker for her father and younger brothers when her mother was ill. She graduated from Pleasant Mills High School in 1948.

Grace married Ronald Lee Bryan on July 2, 1949. Together with Ronnie, they raised crops, livestock, and five children. Their venture in farming was a partnership in the truest sense of the word—with Grace spending countless hours driving tractor, combining beans, shelling corn, and caring for livestock. Grace instilled in her children that all tasks were important, and they learned that everyone shared in chores at the Bryan household.

No friend, relative, or newlywed couple is without a lovely doily crocheted by Grace. She was a quilter, voracious reader, cheered on Purdue Basketball, and loved a good game of Pedro, Pinochle, or Scrabble.

She was a long-time member of Salem Community Church, where she was referred to lovingly as “Our Grace.” In addition to the church, Grace was also active in the community, where she was a member of the UMW, Blue Creek Home Extension Club, and decades long Blue Creek Election Clerk.

Grace retired from CTS in 1996 with 25 years of service.

Grace is survived by her five children, Jane Bryan of Decatur, Becky (Louis) Schwartzkopf of Mankato, Minnesota, Rodney (Laurie) Bryan of Frankfort, Indiana, Pamela (Dirk) Feenstra of Mankato, Minnesota, Timothy (Sharon) Bryan of Huntington, Indiana; grandchildren, Jared (Amanda) Bryan of Berne, Heath (Danielle) Bryan of Geneva, Emily (Jonathan) Buns of Coralville, Iowa, Eric (Jessica) Bryan of Decatur and Dorothy (Jacob) Winters of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota; great grandchildren Parker (Autumn), Lanie, Kaylynn, and Samantha Bryan, Brenlee and Blaire Bryan, Liara and Aria Buns, Chase and Evie Bryan and Lincoln Winters; great-great grandchildren Jackson and Hazel Bryan; brother Jerry Winans of Springfield, Ohio; sisters-in-law Marie Winans Rauch, Rita Winans Garner both of Decatur and many many beloved nieces and nephews.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Ronnie, in 2022, and her siblings Harvey, Richard, Ira Don, and Ross Winans.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. Pastor Jim Compton will officiate. Private burial will be held at Tricker Cemetery, Monroe, Indiana.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday.

Preferred memorials are to Salem Community Church or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana