Ida Coffman Bryan

is honored with a Brick from Suzy Leary and Sandy Rupp.

The greatest gift a mother can give her children are values that will help them find their way in their own journey. Our feisty Irish mother modeled for us strength, resilience, thrift, positive attitude, thoroughness, consideration of others and humor.

Thanks, Mom, for providing a strong character to emulate, for showing us how to bounce back, for teaching us how to manage and stretch resources, to count our blessings, stay positive, and look for the good in others, for not being satisfied until a job is well done, for teaching us manners, respect and consideration of others, and for that wonderful Irish humor that allows us to laugh abundantly when no one else can see what’s funny.
Sandy Coffman Rupp

When I think of my mother, a little smile always comes across my face. The fact of the matter is, she makes me laugh. This tiny little Irish lady, a descendent from the Farris, Fahey, and Ryan clan, has sparkling blue eyes and a wonderful sense of humor. This magnificent humor only allows her to look at life from the positive side. She’s had her siege of adversity but continues to see the sun shining over the hill. Her cup is always half full, there’s always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and an angel is always sitting on her shoulder--say goodnight, Gracie.
Suzy Coffman Leary

Ida Mae Farris was born August 28, 1923. At the age of 19, she married Don Coffman and had three children: Sandy, Suzy & Mike. She was a homemaker while her children were young and later worked as a salesperson, eventually retiring from the Doubletree Hotel where she was a switchboard operator. Don died in 1981. She later met and married Kenny Bryan. They happily moved to Forsythe, Missouri to camp, fish, and visit Branson shows and Silver Dollar City. She has 11 grandchildren and as of April 16, 1997, one great granddaughter.

She is a fantastic cook and talented at handiwork. Her family admires her needlework, crocheting and knitting. She loves to play cards, visit with people, dance and have fun. Her hobbies have included baseball, fishing, shopping the outlet malls and gardening. She has been referred to as Roller Granny because of her delight at riding roller coasters. She is full of energy, entertaining and always up for a good time.

Ida Mae, you are our heroine.

September 18, 1998