Muriel Ann Oakes

Muriel Ann Oakes died Dec. 15 due to natural causes.

Muriel was born in Cordova Sept. 7, 1932. Her father, Oscar Olson was Alaska’s territorial Marshal and her mother’s brother, Alaska Gov. William Egan. With her parents (Oscar and Ethel Olson) and sisters (Dorothy and Virginia), Muriel grew up in what is now downtown Anchorage.

Muriel married her sweetheart, Nathan J. “Whitey” Oakes in 1950. Married for 58 years they had four children. Surviving children are; Hannah (Debra), Nathan (Red), Oscar (Tim) and Teresa (Terri). Their children blessed them with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Muriel loved being wife and mother. She did whatever she could to help in her husband’s success and always let her family know how to reach her. She shared her passion for rollerskating with her children and spent many hours on the rink with them. Christmas was always fun because Muriel loved giving gifts. Her humor and laughter were enjoyed by everyone that associated with her.

After moving to Big Lake, she instilled within her children a love for the water. Many days she spent teaching them to swim and water ski. Evenings, she and Whitey were dancing, playing cards or at home enjoying each other’s company. During summer, their home was decorated with begonias, that Muriel started in her greenhouse. She loved gardening and worked diligently to beautify the cabin and yard.

As the children grew up and had families of their own, Muriel and Whitey traveled. They grew to love Laughlin, Nev., and made many friends there. They traveled various states and spent time in Utah visiting their granddaughters and great-grandchildren. In addition, they would often go to California to visit with Muriel’s sister, and best friend, Virginia.

Muriel, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend will be missed.

The services will be privately held by the remaining family members.