Brandi Price

Brandi Rae Price brought much love and joy to those around her. Although her days were few compared to many, she felt truly blessed by her children and considered them her greatest gift. Brandi’s warm heart and big beautiful smile could light up a room and in turn bring a smile to the faces around her. Always giving and simply loving, Brandi will be missed in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

As the cold winter months began to turn towards spring along the Kansas River and prairies at the U.S. Army installation at Fort Riley, Kansas, Randel and Penny (Forbes) Linton had hope in their hearts as they anxiously anticipated the birth of their baby and on March 15, 1977 were overjoyed with the birth of a healthy baby girl they named Brandi Rae. It was during this time that the American culture began to quickly evolve as the first Apple computer went on sale and the debut of Star Wars took the world by storm. While Elvis’ beloved followers said their goodbyes to him that year, the World Trade Center in New York City was completed only to be desecrated years later in one of the most tragic events in American history. Groups like Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees were at the top of the charts but Debby Boone was breaking records with her uplifting hit, “You Light Up My Life”.

Little Brandi was indeed a light in her parent’s life and filled their hearts with immeasurable joy. When she was nine months old the family moved to St. Johns, Michigan where Brandi grew up and spent her childhood. Although she dressed otherwise, Brandi was always very much a “girly girl” and was one kid in the neighborhood who could play in a sandbox without ever getting dirty! Preferring to play indoors because of bugs outside, Brandi, and like many young girls her age, loved playing with Barbie dolls. When she was quite young she proved to be a quick learner and found enjoyment reading the thrills and chills that bestselling children’s author R. L. Stine offered. Some of her favorite television programs while growing up included Inspector Gadget and Wishbone. Throughout her life Brandi continued to dislike any sort of bug and always put someone else up to rescuing her from a spider or two over the years.

During her school years Brandi made many lasting friendships while attending the local schools in the area. A rather quiet student, one of Brandi’s greatest joys was found in helping others. She had a heart for older people and while in high school she often volunteered at the Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor Nursing Home where she felt needed. She so enjoyed helping out and taking care of the residents there. It was in Brandi’s nature to be helpful and she would help anyone at anytime if she was able. It was also during high school that Brandi became a strong advocate for S.A.D.D. and was quite involved in its program for students against drunk driving. All through her school years Brandi excelled and received straight A’s. In 1995 she graduated from St. Johns High School with a 3.97 grade point average, making her parents and family extremely proud.

Following high school Brandi worked at various jobs as she pondered what to do with her life. She met her future husband Matt Bradley in Lansing, Michigan and in 2000 they were married. Eventually moving to Hays, Kansas, Brandi began taking classes at Fort Hays State University focused on business and leadership. While attending Hays State Brandi was blessed with the birth of her son Tyler who brought her much joy. Returning to the Lansing, Michigan area in 2002 it was here that Brandi settled and called home. Although her marriage ended in divorce in 2004, that same year brought much joy when she gave birth to daughter Gracie and in 2008 little Savannah was born. Life for Brandi revolved around her children and she loved them with all her heart. An attentive and excellent mother, Brandi took loving care of her children. So delighted when Tyler was old enough to read, she absolutely loved watching him read to his little sisters each night and was so proud of them. She often took the kids to the area parks for fun filled play dates where memorable times were enjoyed.

In her free time Brandi liked watching NASCAR and was an avid Red Wings fan. But life for Brandi began to get more and more difficult, especially later in her life. She fell upon some hard times and the past year was riddled with financial worries and personal issues for her. She realized where she wanted to be in life but it was often difficult for her to find the right successes to get there. Through it all Brandi’s first priority was loving her children and she did so with all of her heart. Her love for them was effortless and unending; they were her greatest gift. To those she leaves behind, Brandi’s abundant and beautiful smile as well as her kind hearted ways will remain as a lasting reminder of the wonderful woman she was. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Sadly, Brandi died unexpectedly at home on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the age of 32. Her children, Tyler Jay Bradley, Gracie Layne Bradley and Savannah Mae Price survive her. She is also survived by her parents, Randal and Penny Linton; her grandmother, Miriam Schultz; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services for Brandi will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, Michigan with burial following at South Bingham Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Thursday and Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Brandi’s children in care of Penny Linton. Please visit lifestorynet.com. to leave a favorite memory or photo of Brandi or to sign her online guest book.