Muriel Louise Ward

Muriel Louise Ward, age 91, of La Grande, died March 8, 2015 at the home of her son in Elgin. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest East Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Thursday morning from 11:00 a.m. until noon at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Muriel was born on March 20, 1923, the daughter of Amos and Beatrice (Wright) Houle in La Grande. She graduated from La Grande High School an d then attended Eastern Oregon University for a time studying art. She worked as a clerk at Falk's Department Store and then worked for seven and a half years at the Grande Ronde Hospital as a dietary aide. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary for over 50 years and a member of AARP. She enjoyed painting with both watercolors and oil paints and drawing, especially people. She enjoyed sewing and loved playing the piano.

Survivors include her son, Russell Ward of Pendleton; son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Katie Ward of Elgin; three grandchildren, Kim Campo of Elgin, Pam Mackie of Boise and Kaitlyn Ward of Elgin; four great grandchildren, Tyler Cannon of Italy, Stephanie Cannon of Boise and Dalton Campo and Dakota Campo, both of Elgin; brother, Dr. Glen Houle of Los Angeles, California; sisters, Cathleen Gardner of East Lansing, Michigan and Elaine Sherwood of McMinnville; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by an infant son in 1946; her brothers, Elwin Houle and Dr. James Houle; brother -in-law, Raymond Ward, who was killed at Iwo Jima with the US Marines; brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Gardner; niece, Suzanne Houle and two grandchildren, Mitchell and Kenneth Banaka.

Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

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