Muriel Eloise Rickard

Muriel Eloise Rickard, 106 years young, formerly of Sioux City, Scottsdale, and Storm Lake, returned home on September 10, 2022 after an incredibly full and expressive life. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. No memorials are planned, but please keep your memories of her close to your heart. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements. She was born on the family farm outside of Alta, Iowa on September 15, 1915, to Jens Peter and Mary (Johnson) Anderson. Muriel graduated from Highview High School in Alta in 1933. She continued her education at Buena Vista College, obtaining her two-year teaching degree in 1935. She taught fifth grade until 1945, when she became an American Red Cross Recreational Director in Stuttgart, Germany. During her three years in Germany, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, thus beginning her lifelong love of exploring other countries and cultures. Upon returning to the U.S., she resumed teaching in Sioux City. On October 23, 1948 she married Martin Edward Rickard, whom she met in Germany. From this union a daughter, Mari, was born. Muriel and Martin later divorced. In 1963 Muriel earned her Masters in Education from the University of Arkansas. There she was a member of Kappa Delta Phi, an honor sorority in education. Her career continued as a Principal at Bancroft, Floyd and Lincoln Elementary Schools in Sioux City. Tiring of harsh winters, she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. She was initiated into P.E.O., joining Scottsdale Chapter AP and later joining Chapter NL in Storm Lake. Muriel ended her career as the Principal of Desert Shadows Elementary School in Paradise Valley, Arizona and then focused her attention on the joys of seeing the world. She greatly enjoyed her lengthy trips, especially to Africa and China. Muriel’s suitcase was always half packed, with her passport ready, waiting for her next adventure. Now Muriel is taking her suitcase to her Heavenly home to be with her parents, siblings and other loved ones. She is leaving behind temporarily her daughter: Mari and ‘son’ (son-in-law ) Michael Moreland; granddaughters: Gretchen (Rahul) Kapur; Megan (Andrew Lowe) Witty; Ashley (Darren Evans) Jackson; grandson: William Witty; great grandchildren: Carter, Daniel, Annabelle, and Emily; niece: Rebecca Zylstra (Layton); nephews: Rodney (Beverly) Bovee; Dean Anderson; and Dale (Marlene) Anderson. She is preceded in death by her parents, J.P. and Mary; siblings: Hattie Bovee; Everett Anderson; Elvira Ward; and Audrey Brecher. Muriel lived life by her own terms and now is free to begin her adventures anew. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Methodist Manor for their years of caring.

Muriel Eloise Rickard

September 15, 1915 - September 10, 2022