Bivens, Muriel Katherine Collier - 1928-2011

BIVENS, COLLIER

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/24/2024 at 15:21:33

Muriel Katherine Collier Bivens was surrounded by family when she peacefully passed from this life on November 20, 2011, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines of multiple organ failure.
Muriel was born to Mark and Elsie Collier on a farm near Wilton, Iowa on January 22, 1928. She attended Sunnyside Country School, then Wilton public schools, graduating in 1945. She graduated in 1949 from Iowa State University in Home Economics Education; she was a third- generation Collier to graduate from ISU. She taught Home Economics in the Brooklyn Public Schools for two years. Then, she became an Extension Home Economist in Washington County, Iowa until she married Gordon Bivens on February 14, 1953.
Over the years, Muriel's family lived in Ames and Nevada; State College, Pa.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Washington, D.C.; Columbia, Mo.; and Boulder, Co. At the time of her death, she lived at The Village in Indianola.
We will be reminded of Muriel when we see wildflowers in bloom, a hummingbird at the feeder, someone sewing or quilting, a seeker studying scripture and other religious publications, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, women studying in small groups, or someone wearing purple. She will also come to mind when we smell bread baking and when we think of large family meals, often with international students included, or when we see a person being present in a special way to another in need and being available and supportive of others. Her smile brightened the day for everyone.
Muriel is survived by her husband, Gordon, and by four children: Dale (Maria), Carol, Bruce (Judy), and Paul (Rosanna). She also leaves seven grandchildren: Daniel, Shanna (Sebastian), Derek, Molly, Matthew (and his mother, Leann), Melissa, and Delaney. She is survived also by her sister Rita (Frank) of Durant, sister-in-law Kay Collier of Des Moines, and three nephews and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Burton C. Collier.
Services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, at The Village, Indianola, at 10 a.m. and at Collegiate United Methodist Church, Ames, at 3 p.m.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter (1730 28th St., West Des Moines, Ia. 50266); the Good Shepherd Fund, The Village (1203 N. E St., Indianola, Ia. 50125); or a charity of one's choosing
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Tuesday, November 22, 2011, page 5B