Anna Leah Bear, age 78, of Tama, died Monday night, March 10, 2008 at her home on the Meskwaki Settlement. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, March 15, 2008, at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be Friday, March 14, 2008, from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Vigil Service at 7PM followed by a Rosary.

Anna Leah Bear was born on November 22, 1929, in Parmelee, South Dakota, the daughter of Francis and Jeanette (Dale) O'Bryan.

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota.

On December 26, 1967, she married Archie Bear Jr. in Bullhead, South Dakota.

Prior to her marriage, she was a teacher at the tribal school for children on the Meskwaki Settlement, and after that was most active in raising her family.

Anna was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She enjoyed gardening and baking, but especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Archie Bear Jr. in 2001; and one brother, Charles O'Bryan.

Survivors include four sons, Archie Robert Bear, Val Jean (Heather) Bear, Merle (Tiffany) Bear, and Barry Bear all of Tama; two daughters, Jennie Youngbear and LaDonna Bear both of Tama; seven grandchildren Jessica, Ian, Brittany, Terran, Dorothy, Julius, and Alyssa; five brothers, Robert (Sumiko) O'Bryan of Kent, WA, Dean (Hazel) O'Bryan of Martin, SD, Lyle O'Bryan of Belvidere, SD, Tom (Rosella) O'Bryan of Bagley, MN, and Merle (Carol) O'Bryan of Hayesville, NC; three sisters, Maxine Allard of Norris, SD, Betty O'Bryan of Hot Springs, SD, and Helen Lopez of Valentine, NE; and one sister-in-law, Shirley O'Bryan of Bagley, MN.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is handling the arrangements.

(kruse-phillips.com/obituary)