Muriel Valentine Baril

Muriel Valentine Baril was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1931 in Queens, New York.

She attended college in Virginia where she met & fell in love with an Air Force pilot, George Ronald Auchterlonie. They married August 4, 1951 & had two daughters, Carol Lee & Wendy Sue. Later, she & George divorced. Muriel took a job at B. Altman’s in New York City and raised her children with help from her mother. In 1956, she moved to Great Falls, Montana and met Richard Duane Baril (Dick). They were married February 18, 1958 and another daughter, Susanne Raina was born in 1961.

Muriel worked as an “Avon Lady” and had quite a knack as a sales woman. She soon advanced to a manager and then a district manager in the states of Washington & Oregon. She won many awards and trips; one that was most memorable to Hawaii.

She & Dick with family in tow moved with his work to many states finally settling in Waitsburg, Washington. Although they remained & retired in Washington, Muriel’s roots remained those of a New Yorker! She loved traveling in the RV during retirement and always enjoyed coming home to her house of 44 years.

Many shared stories, poems & laughter filled her home with her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. Her pets of whom there were many brought much love & companionship especially her Cocker Spaniel, Lady Boo. Muriel was very young at heart and seldom seen without her hair fixed & make-up in place. The Bible and its teachings gave her much comfort & encouragement and in the last few months helped her to be strong.

Her large heart touched many people, young & old. She will be sorely missed by her family & friends.

There will be a private family interment. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.