Muriel was born to Percy and Anna Cease (Anderson) in Britton, SD in 1934, joining her brother Ronald (Jane) and sister Delores (Wil Harper). The family traveled west to Portland, OR in 1942 looking for a better life. They found it.
Muriel graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland and married Lou Montgomery in 1952, moving to Mt. Edgecumbe and Juneau, AK. They relocated to Seattle on their tugboat “Minnehaha” in 1961 and to Port Townsend in 1962. They made their home at 912 Tyler Street.
Her work life included many roles; tugboat cook, Alaska DNR typist, Aldrich’s, Red Kettle, Jefferson Co. Clerk’s Office, JC Penney, Don’s Pharmacy and bookkeeper for L.E. Montgomery Enterprises and V. Rogers Plumbing.
Her favorite role in life was being a mom to Luanne Boice (Skip), Ronajean McConnell (Carl) and Lou (Sara), grandma to Ananda, Becky, Nick, Ashley and Gracie, great grandma to Amelio, Jake, Nina and Natalie and great great grandma to Yassi and AJ.
She married Vernon Rogers in 1974 and inherited four wonderful step children; Phil (Donna), Lynn (Jeff Arey), Richard (Barb) and Bill (Jeannie). She adored her 19 step grandchildren.
Muriel enjoyed gardening, church, reading, music (especially symphonic and Charlie Pride), writing, crocheting, camping, her pets and hosting their annual Rhody BBQ.
She spent the last years of her life at the WA State Veterans’ Home in Port Orchard and liked watching old movies. Her family wishes to thank the many wonderful nurses and aides who gave her spectacular care.
She was a friend to all and will be remembered lovingly.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, 1202 Lawrence Street on Friday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Muriel will be buried with her husband, Vern Rodgers, in the Laurel Grove Cemetery in a private ceremony.
