Nancy Robin Bryant

Nancy Robin Bryant, 76, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas.

Nancy, born 11/16/1948, was the oldest child of George Elmore Bryant and Jack “Jackie” Young Bryant (Young Brothers Cattle Company).  She is survived by her sister, Martha Bryant, of the home, and by first- and second-cousins scattered across the country.

After a childhood as a military brat, Nancy graduated from Las Cruces High School, Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1966.  Shortly after that, she moved to Albuquerque to find her living and eventually own a small retail store in Old Town, The Old Town Cat House.  There she and her various shop cats—including Terrible Two-Ton Toes—worked for more than 40 years, making friends with locals and tourists alike.  In addition to her store, Nancy cared for the feral cats of the community, naming them all and working to find them good homes. Nancy retired to San Antonio in 2015, and then moved to Ashland, Kansas in 2018. 

Before coming to Ashland, Nancy would have told you she loved cats and books.  But it was in Ashland that Nancy found her greatest happiness.  The Ashland City Library combined the books she had loved her whole life with readers and friends she made there.  Although Nancy always said she was not a “kid person,” she loved getting to know the community’s children and watching them grow.  She provided after-school treats, helped the kids pick books, and brought home a million stories about them.  The library added immense joy to her life and she was proud of her work there.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy would have asked that you donate to “Nancy’s Fund” at the library.  Ashland City Library, PO Box 397, Ashland, KS 67831.

Please come share a memory of Nancy at the Celebration of Life at the Ashland City Library on Friday, January 31, come and go from noon to 5 p.m.   Kids welcome!