GODWIN, Muriel M. (1930-2017)

GODWIN

Posted By: Karon King (email)
Date: 5/31/2017 at 00:48:48

Muriel Marie Godwin
(March 25, 1930 - April 10, 2017)

Muriel Marie (Mann) Godwin was born to David and Blanche Mann on March 25, 1930, in Carroll, Iowa. She joined a brother, Darrell, on the family farm outside of Vail. Darrell was 7 years older than Muriel, and she adored him. Growing up in rural Iowa in the 1930’s, there was not a lot of money but there were always animals to play with and take care of. She especially loved baby lambs. She graduated from Denison High School in 1948, and began working at a local bank.
Muriel met her future husband, Charles Godwin, when he was in Denison visiting a brother who owned a business there. She walked to and from work, and one day he asked if he could give her a ride home. The rest, as they say, is history. They were married on January 9, 1955. They made their home in Indianola and soon two daughters completed their family: Kathleen Jo in 1960 and LeeAnn Marie in 1963. For many years she was a homemaker, and then returned to the workforce at Brenton Bank in Indianola before retirement.
Muriel loved birds and kept a guidebook close to learn about all the different species that visited her feeders. Cardinals and goldfinches were some of her favorites. She loved flowers, especially pansies and bright red geraniums. She loved gardening and grew incredible tomatoes. Never one to shy away from trying new recipes, her home always smelled of fresh baked cookies. Muriel enjoyed both interior design and decorating for the different seasons and holidays throughout the year. She took up ceramics and made many beautiful items for their home. Once granddaughters arrived, she designated one bedroom in their home as a playroom and delighted in filling the closet with toys, books, games and dress up clothes for them. In recent years, she was thrilled with visits from her great-grandchildren. Her family was the joy of her life.
Muriel died peacefully with family by her side on Monday, April 10, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles on March 31, 2017, her parents and brother, her sister- and brothers-in-law, and her nephew. Those remaining to cherish her memory include daughters Kathy (Roger) Kester of Indianola and LeeAnn (Steve) Ollenburg of Davenport, granddaughters Alyssa (Ryan) Downing, Megan Storjohann, Rachel Storjohann (fiancé Jon Davidshofer), Jessica (Sean) Eikenberry and Lindsay Ollenburg, great grandchildren Danny, Madalyn and Colton Downing, sisters-in-law Lois Godwin of Indianola and Janice (George) Pavelis of Richmond, VA, 11 nieces and two nephews and their families. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, [http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]