Vivian Ala Britt was born on June 20, 1955, in Guymon, Oklahoma, to Paul and Helen Hammontree. She spent her childhood making memories in the small town of Keyes, Oklahoma, where she loved running around with her sisters, helping her dad on the family farm, and chasing her little brother around. Those early years were filled with adventures, laughter, and the simple joys of growing up in a small town.
As fate would have it, one evening during a trip to Elkhart, Kansas, Vivian met a young man named Stephen Britt, who came to her rescue by pulling her away from the dangers of a late-night brawl. Little did either of them know that one unexpected moment would become the beginning of a lifetime together. Vivian and Steve were married on September 25, 1970, and together they built a life and welcomed three children: Autumn, John, and Sheana.
Vivian devoted much of her life to caring for her family. She worked hard, loved her children, and made sure those around her were taken care of. But when the day’s work was done, she was more than ready to settle into her favorite spot and enjoy a good Hallmark movie.
She was a woman of many interests and was always finding a new little hobby to keep herself busy. Whether she was gardening, crocheting, raising chickens, quilting, or working on a puzzle, Vivian enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She had a way of finding something to do, something to create, or something new to try.
One of Vivian’s greatest joys was being a grandmother. She and Steve shared an incredible love for their grandchildren, who brought so much happiness into their lives.
Vivian was especially notorious for coming up with the best nicknames for the kids, names that often stuck and became treasured little pieces of family history. Those nicknames, along with the memories and laughter behind them, will live on for generations.
In recent years, Vivian was blessed with something she had long wanted: the opportunity to live in the same town as her children and grandchildren. Having her family close brought her comfort and happiness, and it was only fitting that her final moments were spent surrounded by the people she loved most.
On October 30, 2026, Vivian peacefully left her earthly vessel in the comfort of her own home, with her children by her side. Though her family must now learn to navigate life without her physical presence, they find comfort in knowing she is free from pain, reunited with loved ones who went before her, and finally at rest.
Vivian is survived by her three children: Autumn Morton, John Britt, and Sheana Olson and her husband, Mike Olson, all of Cushing, Oklahoma. She also leaves behind the grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her and Steve’s lives: Gage Olson, Julia Olson, Paige Jones, Beau Kerbow, Brecklyn Britt, Brandon Britt, Noah Olson, Billy Britt, Kayden Jones, Ayla Britt, Sailor Morton, and Aubrey Britt. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Zayden Jones, Nova Jones, Cash Kerbow, and Emmett Kerbow, with another precious great-grandson on the way.
Vivian was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, Paul and Helen Hammontree; one sister; and her beloved husband, Stephen Britt.
Vivian’s life was not measured by grand accomplishments or material things, but by the family she raised, the memories she made, the laughter she shared, and the love she leaves behind.
Her family will forever remember the woman who loved a good Hallmark movie, who always had a new hobby in mind, who could give a grandchild a nickname that would last a lifetime, and who, in her own special way, made each of their lives a little more colorful.
Rest peacefully, Vivian. Your work here is done, your love remains, and your story will continue through the generations you leave behind.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Elkhart, Kansas with Pastor Ed Richards officiating. Burial will follow at WillowbarCemetery in Keyes, Oklahoma.
Services are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
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