Muriel Olita Owen

Muriel Olita Palmer Owen, “Muriel” to her many friends in the valley, passed away on Jan 3, 2018. She had had a devastating stroke the week prior.

She began her full 95 years on Dec 17, 1922, in L.A., California. Her childhood was spent in Eagle Rock, graduating in 1940 from Eagle Rock High. In 1942 she met a dashing young flight student just recovered from injuries incurred at Pearl Harbor. He was smitten, and two leaves later, she became Mrs. Earl Owen.

Together they made their way across the country to his various training assignments, sometimes hitchhiking when the car broke down. Settling in Kentucky in 1943, he received orders for England. D-Day was approaching.

Another Purple Heart later, he returned home in late 1945 and they began their family. Muriel began the arduous, demanding life of a military wife, mother, and homemaker. Sons Clifford, Paul, Ken (deceased), and daughter Margaret came along. The family eventually settled into civilian life in Sonoma in 1961. A year later son John was born.

Muriel, with her beautiful, clear voice, sang in many local churches. She became part of the local Methodist community. As the children came to be adults, she became quite active in Eastern Star. Pursuing her love of history, she joined the Daughters of the American Revolution and was honored to present their annual awards for best topical essay to hundreds of students in several local school systems. This was perhaps her proudest accomplishment in a very full life. The Sonoma Valley Unified School District has established the Muriel Owen Citizenship Award at each of their schools in her honor.

Muriel is survived by sons Cliff, Paul (Jody), and John (Sheila); daughter Margaret (Ric); grandsons Peter (Veronica) and Patrick (Lacey); and great grand-children Drake, Nathan, and Madelynn.

Services to be held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel in Sonoma on Jan 22 at 10 AM. Burial will be private.

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