Danita Kay Bryan

Danita Kay Bryan, 37, passed away February 27, 2010 in her home in Chinook, WA, surrounded by family and friends after a year-long fight with cancer. Danita was born at Vancouver Memorial Hospital, in Vancouver, WA to parents, Larry R. and C. Elaine Craig. Danita had two older sisters, Teresa Loftus and Carrie Craig, and though she was the youngest of three sisters, her strong will and determination kept her from being called the "baby" of the family. Danita attended Mark Morris High School in Longview and graduated early, in 1989, with her sister Teresa. People sometimes thought they might be twins, a thought that made them both roll their eyes. In addition to having a talent for music, playing violin in orchestra, singing in choir and playing piano, Danita was active in drama, sports and the American Diabetes Association. She studied at Lower Columbia College and later transferred to Western Washington University where she received a bachelor degree in apparel design and marketing. On September 11, 1993, Danita married Zane D. Bryan at her parents' home in Longview. Danita was always looking for new and interesting opportunities. After college she managed a men's retail clothing store, later worked in a bridal store, for Peace Health, and took a job at Longview Fibre. Eventually she settled in at the Oregon State Court system as a judicial services specialist in Astoria, OR where she enjoyed having a variety of responsibilities and described her job as "never boring." She enjoyed "people watching" and with those she called friends she shared her take on a happy social life: "My time is valuable to me; I refuse to spend it with people I don't likeunless I'm being paid." She always said this with tongue in cheek, as it was her way of saying she was selective in who she called "friends." Those whom she befriended could count on the generous devotion that people often reserve for family. In her lifetime Danita called many places home, all within Washington State. She spent her childhood in Longview, but her education took her to Seattle and Bellingham. After returning to Longview/Kelso for a time she developed a love of tennis. Eventually she settled in Chinook where she made a lovely home of a 110 year old house with her husband Zane and a pair of Bassett hounds that she loved like children. She enjoyed making wedding dresses, quilts and bead jewelry. Danita was known for her handmade cards, "extreme" gift-wrapping and ability to pick the perfect gift while finding it at the best price. She had a quirky sense of humor and a unique sense of fashion. Anyone who knew her could tell you that she had an affinity for dogs that would stop her mid-sentence or mid-step to give one attention. Danita is survived by her husband Zane D. Bryan of Chinook, WA; her parents Larry R. Craig and C. Elaine Craig of Hazel Dell, WA; her sisters Teresa Loftus of Battle Ground, WA and Carrie Craig of Vancouver, WA; and a noisy pair of hounds: Zo and Tinker. Per Danita's request no funeral will be held, but a gathering of friends and family will occur at the home of Dennis and Kitty Bryan on 2634 Lilac Street in Longview, WA from Noon until 5:00pm on Saturday, March 13th. An additional gathering for friends in the Astoria area will be held Saturday March 20th at her home 863 State Route 101 in Chinook, WA from Noon until 5:00PM. To honor Danita's memory friends have dedicated a team, accompanied by items in a silent auction, in the Clatsop County Relay for Life, being held July 10-11 at Seaside High School benefiting the American Cancer Society. The contact person is Krista Darnell (503) 791-2889. Other suggested causes for those who care to make donations in her memory would include the American Diabetes Association and the humane society or animal shelter of your choice. Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach, is in charge of arrangements and her guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.