Muriel Helen Macey Francisco

Muriel Helen Macey-Francisco January 18, 1919 – July 6, 2012

PAUL – Muriel Helen Macey Francisco, age 93, of Paul, passed away Friday, July 6, 2012.

Muriel was born on January 18, 1919, in Visalia, California, to DeWitt Gibson and Halene Roxanne (Reed) Macey. At 18, she obtained her associate degree at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) while working at See’s Candies in Culver City, California. At 22, she married her childhood neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Ray LeRoy (Roy) Francisco. At 23, she gave birth to Thomas (Tom) Francisco. At 25, she gave birth to her second child, Judith (Judy Brown) Francisco. At 27, Roy and Muriel and their two children moved to Idaho to be a part of the farming community. At 35, she gave birth to her youngest child, Jerry Francisco.

She was a determined, dedicated, and a loyal mother and wife. Also, she was a dedicated school teacher for 16-plus years as a third grade teacher at Pioneer and Heyburn Elementary schools. At 46, she returned to college at Idaho State University (ISU) and attended classes in the evenings to obtain her bachelor’s degree in education.

Muriel enjoyed playing bridge with her women teacher friends. She was a committed church member at the Paul United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and played the piano. She served as a Worthy Matron and was a 50-year Gold Eastern Star member. At retirement, Roy and Muriel spent their winters in Oatman, Arizona, where they liked to fish, hike, and both were avid rock hounds.

Muriel’s surviving family members are Tom Francisco of Denver, Colorado, and Judy (Jim) Brown, and Jerry (Cindy) Francisco all of Paul; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray LeRoy (Roy) Francisco; and brothers, Bob Macey and Jack Macey.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the Paul United Methodist Church, 127 W. Clark St., in Paul, with the Rev. Pamela Meese officiating. Eastern Star rites will be provided by E-da-ho, Chapter No. 77.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Paul United Methodist Church or to the Eastern Star.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Micheal Klett, to the care givers and friends at Highland Estates and the Mini-Cassia Care Center for the care given to Muriel and her family.