Muriel Mae Border, 86, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family August 6, 2010. Muriel was born March 16, 1924 to Clark and Mae Nesmith in Bellingham, Washington, the fourth of six children. Her childhood was spent in various locales throughout the Puget Sound region from Ferndale to Burlington and the Seattle area, where she began her professional career. Around 1950, while working as Secretary to the Dean at The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, she met Robert Eugene Jones. They fell in love and married May 9, 1952 in Seattle. They were married for 25 years until his death in November, 1977. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in Ketchikan and Valdez, Alaska where Bob was stationed while serving the U.S. Army in the Alaska Communications System. On January 3, 1954, Robert Earl Jones was born to the happy couple in Ketchikan, and after their return to the Pacific Northwest their daughter Barbara Muriel Jones joined the family on October 1, 1957 in Everett, WA. Muriel worked for the Burlington-Edison School District for many years as Secretary to the Superintendent, and as Secretary of Allen Elementary School upon its opening in 1968. She was a proficient and professional woman who served in many capacities and a variety of positions throughout the Skagit Valley. She entered the business world with her daughter in 1979, as owner/operators of Floral Scents and later Bridal Sensationalle'. During this period Muriel met Earl J. Border. They fell in love and were married August 22, 1981. Together, their business interests expanded to include Rain Bouquet in Mount Vernon. Over the next 29 years, they were constant companions; working together, traveling together both as a couple and with a variety of their many friends, visiting and ministering to anyone they knew in need. They had a extensive circle of friends whom they dearly loved. Muriel's faith in her Lord was strong, and she attended Viewcrest Assembly of God in Mount Vernon for over 20 years, where she was known for her beautiful ministry at the Organ and her love for music. She later attended Bellingham Covenant Church and Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon. She received much comfort from her faith, many friends and church fellowships. Muriel was blessed with a long, full life and many accomplishments. Her host of family and friends brought her much happiness and love. She will be dearly missed. Muriel is survived by her loving husband Earl; her son and daughter-in-law Bob and Lisa Jones of the Payson, Arizona area; daughter and son-in-law Barb and Doug Carlson of Mount Vernon; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; as well as her expanded family of daughter-in-law Sharlene Jones; son and daughter- in-law, Wayne and Diane Border of Jericho, Vermont; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and David Anselment of Edmonds, Washington; five additional grandchildren; and three additional greatgrandchildren. The family wishes to publicly thank all those who provided Muriel with such compassionate care at her time of passing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice organization or charity of choice. A celebration of Muriel's life with family and friends will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2010 200pm at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon, WA. A private burial was held at Hawthorne Memorial Park.