Muriel Danforth was born October 25, 1925 in Watertown, South Dakota, to Paul and Freda Danforth. She passed away May 13, 2017 in Pasco, Washington.

She spoke fondly of her childhood and, especially, all the time she spent in her father’s dental office going up and down in his dental chair. She and her brother, Roland, had many adventures together.

After graduating from Eastern Oregon University, she began her career as a teacher. Her dear friend, Margaret, was a fellow teacher and they were able to travel extensively during the summer months. Their favorite destination was close by at Wallowa Lake where they spent many summers feeding the deer and taking pictures. She was a talented photographer and calligrapher and usually created her own greeting cards from her handiwork.

Back at school, she was respected by her students and co-workers alike. Her gift for teaching would eventually earn her the “Teacher of the Year” designation three times in Pendleton. Her long teaching career resulted in her having students who were children of her earlier students and also resulted in her knowing a great many residents of her chosen home city of Pendleton. She delighted in seeing her former students at local businesses and visiting with them.

Education was vitally important to Muriel and she proved that by supporting many local philanthropic groups. She gave generously of her time, energy and knowledge to the museum and especially to the little schoolhouse there, meeting with school groups and tour groups. Her great gift of wit and humor and her vast knowledge base gave her a quote, quip, or joke to bring all her stories to life. She loved to laugh. She also loved to travel and gathered a large family of fellow travelers over the years, especially with the Pendleton Travel Club.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Freda Danforth, and her brother and sister-in-law, Roland and Rada Danforth. She is survived by her nieces Katie Valenvuela and Mary DeBaun and also by her nephew, Kenny Danforth and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Mueller’s Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco, Washington, is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 210 NW 9th, Pendleton, Oregon for all her friends and family.