Myrna Willbrant

Myrna W. Willbrant, age 90, of Washington, Kansas, died September 14, 2026, at her home.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, at the Washington Christian Church, with Pastor Eli Sweany officiating.  Gay Lynn Manning played the piano while Skyler Manning sang “In The Garden,” “Old Rugged Cross” and “I’ll Fly Away.”  Burial followed in the Washington City Cemetery.

Myrna was born September 5, 1936, in Miami, Florida, to James and Carmelita (Hamilton) Brooks. She grew up in Two Eggs, Florida, and graduated from Lovedale High School near Marianna, Florida.

While Raymond was serving in the U.S. Army as a helicopter instructor, he and Myrna met. They were married on May 29, 1955, just two days after her high school graduation. The couple moved to Washington, Kansas, where they made their home.

Over the years, Myrna worked for the telephone company, the sale barn, Paul Monty Law Office, B&T Refuse, and the USDA Farm Service Agency. When Raymond became ill, she left the workforce to stay home and care for him.

Myrna was always one to keep busy. She enjoyed mowing her lawn, tending to the cattle on the farm, and fishing. She also spent time with Dr. Jim Smart restocking area ponds. Myrna was active at the Washington Christian Church, where she helped with Vacation Bible School. She especially enjoyed having her grandchildren visit each summer during Vacation Bible School.

She enjoyed making wreaths at Hearts and Things, and in recent years, she became a fan of the Kansas City Royals.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Raymond; sister, Anne Thorton; and brother, Michael Brooks.

Survivors include her children, Scott (Frances) Willbrant, Manhattan, Kansas, and Sheila (Mark) Corn, Abilene, Kansas; four grandchildren, Jason Willbrant, Dalton (Ciara) Willbrant, Renee Willbrant, and Tate (Shelbi Bailey) Van Winkle; Rilee Bailey; and siblings, Melba Goldschloger, Georgia Mayfield, and Jimmy Brooks, all of Florida.

A memorial fund has been established for the Washington Christian Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968.