Muriel Ruth Kathrein

A Kind, Caring, Loving, Welcoming, Creative, Successful Woman, passed away August 18, 2020, making her final journey to eternal rest.

Muriel was born to Ervin Simeon Hilts and Esther Eva Pauline Korslin Hilts on May 23, 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her family moved to Glendive, Montana when Muriel was a teenager.

Muriel met Joseph (Joe) Kathrein in Glendive, Joe's hometown. They married on April 7, 1942 and were married for 68 years.

Muriel was preceded in death by her sister Audrey, her parents and her husband.

Muriel is survived by her children, Joe and wife Liz Kathrein, Karyl and husband Rick Farris and Mary and husband Stan Boncek; grandchildren, Erika (Elliott) Kathrein, Josh (Shawna) Kathrein, Angela (Ryan) Costanza, Damien (Laura) Farris, and Jonathan Farris; great grandchildren, Lily Farris, Miera Kathrein, Micah Costanza and Raif Farris.

Muriel LOVED the color BLUE! She collected blue glass, and dishes, and decorated her home in shades of blue. Her wardrobe consisted of many blue items including her signature blue bandana print scarf.

She was a talented seamstress who sewed beautiful clothing for her family. She lovingly made items including wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, prom dresses, and baptismal gowns for her children and grandchildren.

Muriel was proud of the fact that she was taught to knit by her Irish grandma. During many a cold winter she created beautiful sweaters, hats, mittens and socks for all of us. Each new baby received a hand knit snow suit consisting of pants, sweater, hat, mittens and booties.

A hidden artistic talent appeared after Joe and Muriel moved to New Mexico. Muriel became an accomplished painter of oils and watercolors. Her favorite subject matter was colorful New Mexican landscapes, pueblos and mission churches. Our lives are adorned with her beautiful art.

Muriel and Joe shared a love for gardening. After leaving Montana they planted and nurtured gardens from Missouri, to South Dakota, to Texas, Virginia and finally to New Mexico. She found peace and joy in her flower and vegetable gardens. She attacked weeds with a hoe and a great deal of ferocity. She truly had a green thumb.

Animals were always an important part of her life. She loved her dogs and cats and took great joy in raising chickens, ducks, turkeys and steer when they lived in Corrales.

Special thanks to Muriel’s loving caregivers, Jeanikra Richards, as well as Amie and Lynelle (Footprints Home Care). Also, the hospital staff at Rust Medical Center, Susanna, Richard, Ashley and Ava who took such wonderful care of our mother.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Muriel on Monday, August 31, 2020, 9:00 a.m., at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Joseph Drive NW, Albuquerque. Space is limited and all in attendance are required to wear a mask and use safe COVID practice due to the Pandemic.