Margery Muir

Margery Rounds Muir, a longtime Pullman resident, passed away on Monday, September 9, at her home at Bishop Place in Pullman. Margery was born October 15, 1932, in Seattle, Wash., to Fred G. and Ruth Wikoff Rounds. Margery grew up in Pullman, attending Pullman public schools and graduating from Pullman High in 1950.

Margery attended Washington State College (now WSU), graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education in 1954. She was active in scholastic honor societies, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and recognized as one of 10 "Outstanding" Senior Graduates. She was a loyal cougar fan and lifetime WSU supporter.

On August 8, 1954, Margery married Earl Lyle Muir in Pullman, after growing up together. While Earl was called into active duty at Larson AFB at Moses Lake, Wash., Margery taught High School home economics at Palouse High School in Palouse, Wash. They then moved to Bellevue, Wash., in 1956, where Earl was an architect and they were both active in the church and busy raising a family.

In July of 1967, the Muirs returned "home" to Pullman, where Earl was employed by WSU and Margery began a lifetime career of service to the community as a home economist, educator, and professional volunteer; dedicating her life and expertise to the benefit of children and families. She was a substitute school teacher, Guardian Ad Litum for Whitman County Juvenile Court System, Parenting Resource Coordinator for Whitman County Community Action Center, Family Community Leadership Program coordinator, volunteer for Whitman County CASA, established the "Friends" group, and was a Campfire leader. PEO Chapter S, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority advisory and corporation boards, Whitman County Genealogical Society, and Colonial Dames XVII Century, are only a few of the many organizations she was actively involved with across the state and region. Margery was also a lifetime member of the Community Congregational United Church of Christ in Pullman, teaching Sunday school, serving on many boards/committees, and working at the Thrift Shop.

She has been consistently recognized for her many volunteer contributions throughout the years. Most notably, Governor's Volunteer Award in 1979, WSU Mom of Year in 1980, National Campfire Service Award in 1982, and Governor's Child Abuse Prevention Award in 1996. Margery made an immense and lasting impact on the lives and well-being of so many.

Margery is survived by their three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren: Sons Chris (Ana Nevarez) of Redwood City, Calif., and Michael; daughter Ruth Monahan (Mike) of Clarkston, Wash., and their daughters Sarah Hills (Jevon) and their children Emma and Jack, and Meghan Lonneker (Jeff) and their daughter Lena; and son Keith (Christie Bailey) of Colfax, Wash., and their daughter Abby Nisbet (James), and son Cody. Margery is also survived by a brother, Fred G. Rounds Jr, of Auburn Hills, Mich., and his family.

Margery is preceded in death by her husband, Earl L. Muir; her parents Fred and Ruth Rounds, and Dora Sanger Rounds; and her sister, Jeanne Rounds Olsen.

Margery was kind, wise, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was more hip than she ever let on. She enjoyed genealogy and was the keeper of family and local history and stories. Margery will be dearly missed by her family near and far, and by the community that she spent a lifetime supporting, encouraging and educating.

The Family would like to thank Pullman Regional Hospital, Bishop Place, and Hospice for their loving care and support of Margery.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 27th, at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 525 NE Campus St, Pullman Wash. A reception will follow. A family internment service will be at Pullman City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Whitman County CASA, Whitman County Community Action Center, or United Way of Pullman. KIMBALL FUNERAL HOME of Pullman is handling the arrangements. On-line guest book is at http://www.kimballfh.com.