Myrna L. Schonert, 93, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Brookstone Estates in Olney. Myrna was born August 4, 1932, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, the daughter of Alfred and Gertrude (Heinrich) Valentine.
She graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree in home economics. She moved to Olney to become the Richland County Home Advisor. During this time, she met Wayne Schonert and they were married on June 12, 1955. He preceded her in death on April 13, 2009.
They lived their life together on the family farm where they raised their 5 sons. Myrna and Wayne were active members of the Ebenezer Church. They enjoyed many activities together throughout their marriage including square dancing, attending the boys' athletic games, traveling, camping, and fishing.
Myrna is survived by her children, Steve (Maridel), Bruce (Deb), Larry (Jill), Dan (Cindy), Keith (Tere); grandchildren, Jonathan (Leah) Schonert, Neil (Molly) Schonert, Matthew Schonert, Erica Schonert, Ryan (Kay) Schonert, Jared Schonert, Kallie (Chris) Allender, Kyle (Kelci) Schonert, Mitchell (Madalyn) Schonert, Connor (Brettany) Schonert, Christina (Logan) Couch, Tyler Runyon, Lauren Aumiller; great grandchildren, Corbin, Porter, Cora, Samantha, Maxton, Alydia, Luella, Knox, Vera, Myles, Miller, Luke, Jordyn, Avery.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Betty Mohr, daughter-in-law Kathy (Lathrop) Schonert, granddaughter Kimberly Schonert and great grandson Holden Allender.
The family would like to give a special thanks to caregivers Cathy & Amy who loved Myrna like a mother.
Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.
Interment will follow services at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Ebenezer Cemetery or to Carle Richland Memorial Hospital Center for Philanthropy.
