Wilma Jean Corbett's Obituary
Wilma Jean Brown Corbett, 87, of Erie, Kansas, passed away on January 15, 2024. She was born on August 30, 1936 in Russellville, Arkansas, the eldest of twin sisters. Her parents were William Barrett Brown and Minnie Evelyn Gill Brown. She attended Buffalo High School and then received her teaching certificate at Savonburg, Kansas. She married Lewis Dale Corbett on May 3, 1957.
They traveled around the world and the county through his job in construction, living in both Mexico and Poland. Their love of visiting new places and discovering fishing and camping around the United States, gave Wilma a broader view of the world and a love of different cultures.
Wilma had many interests and began the Buffalo Kansas Historical Museum with her twin and others. She was President of the Museum Board. She was also deeply involved with the Girl Scout of America during their time in Denver and rose to a leadership position. She was a Den Mother, as well as an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.).
She was an accomplished musician and taught piano lessons to many children over the years. Wilma also coached softball, as well as supporting her children in other various sports and activities. She loved quilting, sewing, reading, crosswords, and talking to everyone she met.
She is survived by her children Jeannie Ferriss of Whitehall, Montana; Donna and John Rutledge of Humboldt, Kansas; and Mark and Anna Corbett of rural Erie, Kansas. She was the proud grandmother of Jessica and Eric Crusch of Townsend, Montana; Kathleen and Jordan Monson of Carpentersville, Illinois; Mark and Jessica Cadwell of Humbodt, Kansas; Alicia and Jeremy Hess of Humbodt, Kansas, Caleb Rutledge of Iola, Kansas; Jennifer and James Sipes of Chanute, Kansas, Dakota Julian of Dothan, Alabama, Wyatt George of Elsmore,Kansas, and Colt and Easton Corbett of rural Erie. Wilma is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Tanis Cadwell, Javyn, Melina, Jaryt ,and Zoey Hess; Kay Marie, Caleb, Katey Crusch, Brandon, Cathleen and Austin Sipes.
Wilma Corbett will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She had a smile for everyone she met and left a legacy of love to the world around her.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 19th from 7:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects at Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland Ave. Chanute, Kansas. A graveside memorial service will be held on January 20th at Odense Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited to make a donation in her memory to the Buffalo Kansas Historical Museum in lieu of flowers.
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