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Muriel Renamae Burk, 84

Muriel Renamae Burk, 84, of Ava, Mo., was born May 1, 1927 in Colcord, Okla., to parents Lulin and Emma Husong Sisson. On the morning of Dec. 30, 2011, she departed this life in Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, Siloam Springs, Ark.

On Dec. 20, 1944 she married William (Bill) Burk and they enjoyed 62 years together before he passed away.

Muriel was devoted to her family and caring for them. Her greatest love in life was as a caregiver to others. When she was 12 years old her mother passed away so she became “mother” to her brothers and sisters. She loved to sew and made many clothes for her family as well as quilts to keep them warm.

Her cooking was also a special way to show love to her family, especially when she made Portuguese tacos or meatballs.

Bill was a master wood craftsman and they worked together to make furniture beautiful, with him doing the woodworking and she the upholstery.

Muriel had been employed in several positions, as a telephone operator and a factory worker, but her favorite job was as a waitress, because she loved to serve people. She had many wonderful memories of working in the Ice Cream Parlor in Ava.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband William (Bill); three brothers and three sisters; and one great-grandson.

Muriel is survived by her two daughters, Beverly Watson, of Ava, and Patricia Horton, of Avilla; as well as one son, John Burk, of Ava. She is also survived by four half brothers, Richard, Bob, David and Mark; and three half sisters, Sally, Gayle, and Goldie. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

She will be· deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. in the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Roberts officiating. A visitation was hosted in the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel from 1 p.m. until service time. Burial followed in the Turkey Creek Cemetery.

All arrangements were under the care and direction of Ava Family Funeral Home. To send condolences visit www.facebook. com/AvaFamilyFuneral Home.