In loving memory Of Muriel Raz: 1930-2021

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Muriel Raz passed away peacefully at home in Ridgefield, Wash., the evening of Saturday, June 12, at the age of 90. Born on September 12, 1930, in Woodstock, Ill., Muriel was the only child of Aart and Rika Hagendoorn.

A true country girl, Muriel grew up on the farms where her father worked. She loved riding her horses, playing the alto saxophone and acting in school plays. She left Illinois in 1948 to attend the University of Oregon, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Following graduation, Muriel worked in the insurance industry in Portland, while keeping up with her Alpha Gamma Delta sorority sisters, whom she would remain close with throughout her life, hosting alumni events and get-togethers. 

In 1958, Muriel met Henry Raz through her bowling league companion Louise, Henry’s younger sister. The two married on April 30, 1960. Muriel joined her new husband on the family dairy farm in Ridgefield, where, for several years, she helped Henry twice a day milk the cows. 

Henry and Muriel welcomed son, Don, in 1961, followed by son, Art, in 1964. Always active in the community, Muriel was PTA president, led 4-H groups, and was a proud member of the Clark County Dairy Women. She is often remembered for the fresh-fruit milkshakes she prepared every summer at the Clark County Fair and the butter-making demonstrations she led in local grade schools.

Muriel enjoyed fishing with Henry, reading crime novels, and spending time with her dear friend, Doris.

Muriel is survived by her husband of 61 years, Henry; her two sons, Don and Art; her four grandchildren, Kate, Mary, Emma and Tess; her sister-in-law, Louise; and her grand-nephew, Nicholas and his fiancée, Jamie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aart and Rika; her niece, Kim; and her brother-in-law, John. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Muriel’s name.