Bernice Springgate Bryan

Bernice Springgate Bryan, 94, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away February 20, 2020.

She was born in Arkansas City, Kansas on September 17, 1925 to Clarence (Bud) and Emma Peters Springgate. In 1938 the family moved to the Lenexa, Kansas area and resided on a beautiful farm on 110th Street and College Boulevard which is now known as Grand Oaks. Bernice attended a rural elementary school to finish her elementary education. She then attended Shawnee Mission Rural High School, now known as Shawnee Mission North High School. She graduated in 1944. She was active in Stenoettes, choral groups, and National Honor Society. Hers was an active class and still meets for reunions.

After graduation Bernice briefly worked for Travelers Insurance Company. In 1944 she married Darrel Lee Bryan and moved with him to Chandler, Arizona where he was stationed at Williams Air Force Base. She was secretary to the Personal Equipment Officer on the base. While many people have a career during their early years, Bernice devoted most of her life to being a homemaker. In January of 1987, at age 62, Bernice went to work for the president of the Kansas City Merchandise Mart on a temporary basis. However, she retired in 2007, 20 years later!

Bernice was a member of the Pioneer Extension Homemaker Unit, Kansas City Chapter of Sweet Adelines, a member and deacon of Village Presbyterian Church, and a member of Village Presbyterian Women serving in Circle 12.

In recent years Bernice enjoyed avidly reading from a vast array of genres. She enjoyed knitting sweaters, shawls, and baby blankets for her loved ones. She enjoyed planting flowers and plants in her garden and took great pride in her yard. Bernice traveled to Denver, Colorado and Park City Utah to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved traveling to several countries in Europe. Her last trip was to Park City to celebrate her 90th birthday. Bernice was a fabulous cook and baker. She always presented her family with healthy meals including homemade desserts on most nights. She excelled in sewing any kind of clothes and making curtains. She also enjoyed needlepoint, crewel, and counted cross stitch projects. Bernice loved to shop and has an array of new clothes with tags still attached. But, Bernice’s motto was: If you got tired shopping, sit down and buy shoes! Her greatest accomplishment was taking care of her family. She loved her family more than anyone imaginable. Every action and decision prioritized her family. She was always generous with her time and abilities. She loved her dear high school friends that she kept for her whole life. She was a dedicated Mom and grandma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, a baby daughter, Patricia Kay, and a son Joseph Darrel. She is survived by a daughter, Sheryl Kelley, of Kansas City; a son, Ted Bryan (Marilyn) of Olathe; a grandson, Scott Kelley (Caitlyn) of Park City, Utah; a granddaughter, Dr. Shannon Langner (Bradley) of Denver, Colorado; and great grandchildren, Noah Kelley, Sawyer Kelley, Lucy Puckett, Graham Langner, Jackson Langner, and Cora Langner.

She has step grandsons, Jason Apperson (Cristie) of Lenexa; Jarrett Apperson (Tracy) of Prairie Village; Terry (Jeff) of Horton; Richard Warren (Melissa) of Independence; step great grandchildren Braille, Colton, and Jaycee Apperson; Jake Green; nieces Terry (Bob) Tucker of Prairie Village; Beth Springgate of Westwood; three great nieces and one great nephew.

In lieu of flowers it is Bernice’s request is that donations be made to Arthritis Foundation, International Essential Tremor Foundation or American Heart Association.

Funeral service will be held Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:00 am with a luncheon immediately following at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.  A private family graveside will be held at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210