Muriel Jeannette Beebe

Muriel Jeannette Beebe, age 101, passed away peacefully, surrounded by two of her sons and her daughter, on Sunday, December 11, 2022, in Columbia, Missouri.

Muriel was born in Los Angeles, California on March 22, 1921. She was adopted by Pauline Ellis shortly after her birth. She vividly remembers a train trip at age five from California to Kansas City, where she subsequently stayed with several families, and also spent time in the Kansas City Children’s Home. She was permanently re-adopted at age seven by Sadie and D. R. Hughes, who lived in Atherton, Missouri, a small farming community near Independence. She had one brother, Ocie D. Hughes.

Muriel graduated from Buckner High School in 1939. followed by a brief college career. As recorded in her mother’s diary, on September 9, 1939. her parents told her, "Pack your bag. We're going on a trip." Muriel didn't know, until they arrived in Lamoni, Iowa, that her parents had enrolled her in Graceland College and arranged for her to stay in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hyde, one of the founders of the Hy-Vee grocery store chain. Enrolling Muriel in college was her parents' plan to keep her away from motorcycle-riding Russell Beebe, whom she met in the 4th grade, and was dating at the time she embarked on her college career. Her parents' plan did not work. Russell and Muriel were married for 76 years until Russell passed away at age 98 in 2017.

Muriel and Russell first lived in a modest, second-floor apartment in Atherton, until they moved into a small farmhouse, also in Atherton, where Russell farmed land owned by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Following the Great Missouri River Flood of 1951, they purchased a farm in 1952, that they proudly described as the highest spot in Jackson County, between Buckner and Grain Valley. They lived there for 62 years before moving to Independence. Following her husband’s death, Muriel resided in Columbia, Missouri.

Russell and Muriel had five children: Ken (and wife Rita), Daryl (and partner C. J. Johnson), Steven (and wife Sue), Janice (and husband Ron Affolter), and Carl (and wife DeLynn); eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Muriel was the consummate homemaker whose legendary cinnamon rolls, black walnut fudge, and fruit cake were enjoyed by family and friends. She spent summers tending the large family garden, and she was also known for her beautiful, hand-made quilts—prized gifts to her family and friends. In addition to her hospitality, she is especially remembered for 90 years of volunteer service as a talented pianist and organist for countless church services, weddings, funerals, and school and retirement home programs. Loved by all for her conversation skills and musical talents, her name is forever associated with unparalleled music ministry that has enriched the lives of thousands.

Visitation will be Friday, December 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with funeral services at 10:00 a.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street S, Independence, Missouri. Interment will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ Buckner Restoration Branch http://www.bucknerrb.org