Muriel was born May 3, 1947 in Yakima, WA to Vern S. and Lavere I. Wood (Geise). She lived in Yakima her entire life, attending Barge Lincoln Elementary, Washington Jr. High and A.C. Davis High School, graduating in 1965. She attended CWU for 3 years. In her teens, she began working at Arctic Circle on North 1st St. She eventually became manager, and went on to be manager of the Carousel Snack Bar in the Yakima Mall. She later fulfilled a dream of owning her own drive in and, with her husband Michael, bought the Burger Shack (formerly Arctic Circle) on the Yakima Ave. During this time, she became “Mom” to many young patrons. Illness forced her to sell. She later went to work for friend Sheila Burns at YCCS where she worked for 23 years. She started her own tax consultant business, which she did for 40 years, then she turned it over to her daughters.
She met her husband Michael P. Watts in high school, remained friends, and finally, after 6 years, realized he was the one. They were married on October 9th (her mother’s birthday) in 1971 and shared 47+ years together.
They were blessed with 3 daughters, Marnel Watts, Maigan (Brent) Sutton and Minsey Watts, and adopted daughter Lisa.
Muriel was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Michael, daughters Marnel, Maigan and Minsey, son-in-law Brent, grandchildren Luke & Lauren, brothers Zale and Carl Wood, and sister Myler Almandinger (passed away on March 22nd).
She would like to thank everyone at Yakima DaVita, Astria Regional ICU and her Hospice Team.
A Memorial Service will be held April 10th 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Family Fellowship. Keith & Keith Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
