Roberta Diane Bryant

Known to all as Diane, she was born on March 1, 1940, in Massillon, Ohio, to Bert and Roxie (Gadd) Day. Diane spent nearly 60 beautiful years married to the love of her life, Ronald Bryant of Bedford, Ohio—a marriage built on deep love, unshakable friendship, deep faith, and unwavering support. Together, they built a life centered on family and friends.

Diane was a passionate and devoted educator who spent more than two decades teaching first grade. She had a gift for nurturing young minds with patience, creativity, and a deep love of learning. Her influence endured long after retirement, with former students often stopping by to share a warm memory.

Diane had a joyful, adventurous spirit and a heart full of warmth. She found happiness in the little things: tending to her garden, watching Cleveland Browns games with loved ones, sipping a glass of Chardonnay, and—most of all—listening to the stories of her children and grandchildren. Nothing made her prouder than hearing about their lives and cheering them on with heartfelt encouragement.

She also had a great love for travel and adventure. Her journeys took her to faraway destinations like Europe, Ecuador, Hawaii, and Alaska. Whether she was waterskiing as a girl, floating in a hot air balloon, or soaring above a Hawaiian volcano in a helicopter, Diane embraced life fully and fearlessly.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald; her three children, Doug Bryant (Beth) of Aurora, Ohio, Traci Bryant of Boyds, Maryland, and Matt Bryant (Cara) of Franklin, Tennessee; and her cherished grandchildren, Mia, Kylie, Jake, and Allie. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Koci of Florida; brothers-in-law Gary Bryant (Betsey) of Ohio and Chuck Bryant (Cheryl) of North Carolina; sister-in-law Carol Arabian (Ted) of Texas; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Roxie Day; her sister and brother-in-law, Melva and Jim Rohr; brother-in-law Jim Koci; and sisters-in-law Betsey Bryant and Cheryl Bryant.

Diane will be lovingly remembered for her gentle soul, kind heart, and the deep devotion she showed to her family, her students, and all who were fortunate to know her.

A private celebration of Diane’s life will be held at a later date.