Myrna Iris Wilhelm

If you ever heard laughter floating down the hallway, smelled a good cup of coffee brewing near a jigsaw puzzle, or noticed someone getting a bit too competitive over a card game—it was probably Myrna. Known lovingly by friends and family as “Ikey,” Myrna Wilhelm lived 98 vibrant, adventure-filled years, powered by optimism, community spirit, and just the right amount of mischief.

Born on January 7, 1927, to George and Adeline Hillman, Myrna grew up surrounded by a bustling family of seven siblings. She graduated from Berthoud High School in 1944 and quickly became a woman ahead of her time—sharp, spirited, and ready to take on the world.

She married the love of her life, Raymond Wilhelm, on January 6, 1946, and they built a life filled with hard work and heartfelt joy until his passing in 1978. Together, they owned and operated the 49’s RV Park in Sonora, CA—where stories were swapped like currency and every guest left feeling like family.

Myrna worked for The Pacific Telephone and Telegram Company, retiring after 35 years, but she never

slowed down. She spent 25 years volunteering at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, and also delivered meals (and usually a few laughs) with Meals on Wheels. Her heart for service, her humor.

One of her favorite memories was the day World War II ended. As the telephone operator in Berthoud, Colorado, she was tasked with sounding the town’s fire siren. She did—enthusiastically. So enthusiastically, in fact, that she burned out the siren. No one minded. That was Ikey: go big, be bold, and always celebrate.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents and all seven of her siblings. She is survived by a great many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a lifetime of friends—each with a story about how Ikey made their life a little brighter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego, a cause dear to Myrna’s heart.

Her legacy isn’t just in what she did—it’s in who she was: a woman who lit up rooms, cared deeply for others, and always had a story to tell or a puzzle piece to place. She will be deeply missed—but never forgotten.