Myrtle Louise McKinney

Myrtle "Myrt" Louise McKinney, born August 14, 1946, in Tacoma, WA, decided to leave us just three days shy of her 80th birthday, on August 11, 2026, in Anchorage, AK. Perhaps she wanted to keep us on our toes for a little longer—or maybe she had one last crossword puzzle to complete.

Myrt was a woman of varied talents and interests. Among the highlights of her legal career were her early work with J. Peter Holland III and her subsequent position with Robert H. Bennett, PC, Attorney at Law. She also loved her position with Kempsville Veterinary Hospital, which afforded her the opportunity to love on and take care of all the animals that she came in contact with. She was always ready to argue her point or soothe a puppy's woes, both at work and at home. Myrt was known for always having a dog at home, you could say she loved her work so much she took it home with her.

Baseball was her true passion. The Norfolk Tides, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets were her favorite teams, and she could be found at Norfolk Tides games as well as at home watching on tv with her husband Bill. As an ardent member of the Tidewatchers Booster Club, where she wore the President's hat (as well as several others), Myrt could always be found cheering from the stands with unmatched enthusiasm.

Her service as Past President of the Virginia Beach Legal Secretary's Association wasn't just a title—it was another arena where she left her indelible mark, advocating with wit and wisdom.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Bill" Frederick McKinney, her birth parents Myrtle Louise Ellison and Howard Kilgore, Jr.; adopted parents Blanche and Howard Kilgore, Sr., and sisters Maxine Walker, Betty Young, and Wanda Scates, brothers James Kilgore, and Charles Kilgore. Myrt is now reunited with them all. We can only imagine the heavenly gatherings, full of gardening tips, baseball debates, and laughter.

Surviving her are son David E. Kilgore (June), step-sons Mike McKinney and William "Fred" Potter (Beth), step-daughter Deane Broughton (Jeff), and her cherished grandson, Phillip W. D. Kilgore (Madison), along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will carry on her legacy and knack for finding humor in the everyday.

Myrt's life was a tapestry woven with laughter, love, and just the right amount of sass. Though her earthly innings have come to a close, her spirit will continue rounding the bases in our hearts.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park.