Myrtle Esther Hoel was born on March 20, 1916 in Bloomfield, Michigan. She is Walt’s 1st cousin once removed.

Myrtle is the daughter of Alvah and Adeline Maffet Hoel. Alvah was William Henry Hoel’s younger brother. They moved to Michigan shortly after their marriage. Alvah was working in a saw mill in the 1920 census. Myrtle was their fourth child and the went on to have two more children. One daughter died young. Alvah moved to carpentry later.

Myrtle Hoel married Arthur Hilbrands on July 21, 1936 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You can read more about their marriage in this post. Myrtle and Arthur stayed in Michigan for a number of years, where Arthur was in the building trades. After World War II, they moved to Oregon. Arthur was a brick layer. Myrtle and Arthur had 11 children.

Myrtle & Arthur. Taking during a visit to Arizona around 1896.

Myrtle Hoel Hilbrands died In July of 1987.

I did note in the obituary for Alvah, Myrtle is listed as living in Guam. I know that their daughter Mary lived in Guam.