Muriel Pope

Helen Muriel Pope was born on November 23, 1929 in San Jose, CA and passed peacefully on August 29, 2009 in Roseville, CA culminating 79 years of a life blessed with the joy and happiness of family. Muriel was born to Walter and Zereda Jensen of Glenburn, CA. She was the eldest of two children and spent her young life on the family ranch where she was active in church, CSF, 4-H, and daily ranching activities. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Glenburn and served as Valedictorian at graduation. In 1946, she was awarded the Diamond Star in 4-H and traveled to Washington, DC as a representative of California. She was 16 years old when she left home to attend Chico State College where she was a member of Alpha Chi Sorority, sang in the choir and played in the marching band She graduated in 1950 with a teaching credential, majoring in English with a minor in music. On June 18, 1950, she was married in Glenburn to her college sweetheart, William E. Pope. The two were a perfect match since Muriel had a movie camera and Bill had a matching movie projector. Bill states, "The one thing that I am proudest to take credit for, is that of choosing this wonderful girl, this compassionate, unassuming, unselfish, "farmers daughter" as my friend, lover, wife, companion and most importantly, mother of my children. She has been the hub around which our loving family has revolved, and winning her as my wife was by far the best thing I have ever done." They had been married 59 years but their love and commitment will live on forever. Muriel touched many lives while teaching in Orland, Lake School District, and Paradise Elementary schools, prior to teaching in Hamilton City where she stayed for 22 years. She was presented the Glenn County Educators Hall of Fame award in 1998. She shared her musical skills in school programs and was on the forefront of computer use in the classroom, serving students and teachers alike as a Mentor Teacher. After retirement, she continued to work as a consultant in the Capay school district. She was active in the St. John's Episcopal parish for many years. She was a member and past officer of Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Muriel, K6GSK, was also a member and past president of GEARS (Golden Empire Amateur Radio Society), and in 1993 she received the Elmer Award for her help in training and certifying others in the field of Amateur Radio. Muriel loved gardening and spent many hours in her greenhouse where she could make anything grow! She also had a passion for quilting and captured her warmth and love in every stitch. Her greatest love, however, was for her family. She proudly supported her children in various activities, filling leadership roles in PTA, 4-H, Cub Scouts, Bluebirds and many others. Her unending support extended to her grandchildren where she took great pride in their many accomplishments. Muriel is survived by her husband, Bill; her four children, Gary Pope (Nancy) of Thousand Oaks, Ronald Pope (Ria) of Chico, Diana Pope-Hofer (Dr. Glenn Hofer) of Auburn, Carol Brown (David Brown) of Chico; eleven grandchildren, Preston and Aubrey Pope, Shannon Pope, Katelyn, Allison and Melinda Pope, Christian, David, Michael and Kenny Hammond and Jenna Brown; and sister, Mildred Lakey of Glenburn. All family and friends are invited to attend a Viewing on Friday, September 4, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brusie's Funeral Home and memorial services on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Chico Cemetery starting at 11:00 am.