NSA Clubs 42 & 651

     Linton, Muriel W. On December 10, 2006. Beloved daughter, sister-in-law, aunt
     and friend was received into the arms of her Savior. Predeceased by her
     parents, Rev. John and Winifred Linton; and brothers, David, Bruce and Rev.
     John Linton. Survived by sisters- in-law, Marjorie and Rose Marie Linton;
     nieces, Elizabeth Jan Edgar, Lauren Linton and Nanette McRae; nephews, John
     Linton, David Linton, Bruce Linton and Robin Linton; great nephews, Brian
     Campbell, Nathan Campbell, John McRae, John Linton and Eric Linton; great
     nieces, Anne Linton, Erin Linton, Alanna Linton and Megan Linton; great great
     nephew, Jack Campbell; and great great niece, Emma. Muriel was beloved by her
     family and her extended family which continued to grow over the years. There
     was no obstacle too great to overcome, always approached in a positive way and
     often with humor. One of her books, "Laugh or Get a Refund" portrayed this side
     of Muriel. She touched the lives of so many individuals both through direct and
     indirect contact and made their lives genuinely better for knowing her. Her
     life's works including being: a missionary, artist, art teacher, author,
     ventriloquist for "Candy, Andy and the Little Preacher", humorist,
     inspirational speaker, and entrepreneur. She had a great love of nature and
     passion for fishing and Scrabble. She was a pioneer and role model for people
     of all ages. She will be forever cherished by her family and deeply missed but
     have comfort that she is with the Lord. A memorial service will be held on
     Friday, December 15, 2006 at 1:30 PM at Bethany Covenant Village, 2309 Hayes
     Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made
     in Muriel's memory to Bethany Covenant Village. Washburn-McReavy Hillside
     Chapel 612-781-1999

     Published in the Star Tribune from 12/13/2006 - 12/15/2006.

A Message from Carol Dustin

Hi all,

I just returned from Muriel's memorial service, and wanted to share highlights
with you.

The Scrabblers in attendance were me, Mary Krizan, Dawn Gewecke and Anne Loring.

Muriel never married, and had no children. She had no relatives here in the
Twin Cities, however, she had nieces, nephews and a sister-in-law whom she kept
in close contact with, although they live in other parts of the country.
Several of those relatives were present, and two of them took part in the
service. There were many of her friends there, too.

Muriel's engaging personality made her a very popular resident at Bethany,
where she has lived for the past ten years. She was a natural entertainer, and
often when I would come to Bethany to visit her, I'd find her in the cafeteria,
telling a joke or story, with a crowd of folks gathered around her, listening.
The service was delivered by Bethany's chaplain, a very charming elderly lady.

The chaplain started by roaming the audience with a microphone, allowing folks
to speak. Many, many people participated in this, and some heartwarming stories
were told. I talked about my friendship with her, and Mary told about the
Scrabble birthday party we had for her in May, where Muriel said she went to
sleep with a smile on her face, and  that when she awoke in the morning, the
smile was still there.

During the eulogy, Rev. Decker talked about how Muriel continued to look
forward to life with enthusiasm, even as her health was failing. She was
formulating her "next book", a children's story. So, she said, if you want to
honor Muriel, pick up a pen and write a book. Pick up a brush and make a
painting. Pick up the Scrabble board of life, and become the best player that
you can be."

This was the first funeral I ever attended where there was an analogy made to
Scrabble!

At the social gathering following the service, I learned more about how Muriel
died. When I spoke to her just a couple weeks ago, she was typically frail, but
there was no sign that she was terribly ill. I learned that a week before she
died, she took a fall from her wheelchair, and broke a leg. They had someone
come to Bethany to set it. Since she was having difficulty mending, they
summoned her kin to come and be with her. Though her mind and spirit tried
their best, her body's need for rest overtook her, and her heart quietly
failed.

One of her nieces today told us that as they cleaned out Muriel's room, they
found stacks upon stacks of large-print word lists. Three letter words, hooks,
high-vowel, even UNacceptable word lists, she said. Muriel studied words every
day on the lighted magnifier she had in her room. I told Dawn and Anne about
how she would sometimes learn a new word that was so interesting she needed to
share it with someone. She'd always say, "but I'm only going to tell YOU, no
one else, because you know if you tell people the words you learn, they will
surely use them against you!"

They gave away all the remaining copies of the various books Muriel has
written. I took a few extra copies and will have them at club next week for
anyone that might want one.

Muriel was strong, stubborn, competitive, naturally funny, spunky as anyone
I've known, creative and imaginative, adventurous, open minded, childlike in
her awe for nature and for life itself. She truly embodied a "joi de vivre"
that was rare. She accomplished far more than most of us will ever dream of.
Today's service paid tribute to all that was good about this unusual woman. I
shed some tears, but I left there smiling.

See you soon,

Carol