Muriel Marie Calvert

Muriel Marie Wright Calvert passed away Friday morning, January 14, 2022, at the age of 95. She was born in the little town of Bradford, PA on Aug. 29, 1926 to Clarence Manley Wright, a hardworking tradesman, and Besse Helena Mortland Wright, a school teacher. Even though her home life started out tough during the Great Depression and ended during the extreme times of a global pandemic, she lived a wonderful life. About the Depression, she used to say they always had food but only one change of clothes, because Besse and Clarence worked hard, grew and canned food and pinched pennies for their 4 children. Muriel was the second of four children, having 3 brothers: Norman “Mac”, Harold, and Joe. While growing up, Muriel enjoyed the out-of-doors, horseback riding, hiking, ice skating, volleyball and berry picking with her best friend Winnie.

Unusual for women of this era, Muriel’s family, including all 5 of her aunts and mother, attended Clarion State Teachers College in the 1920’s. During WWII, Muriel also graduated from Clarion State Teachers College, followed much more recently by a granddaughter who now holds a Master’s Degree from Clarion as well. Muriel met Galen Calvert (whom she later married) at Clarion after the war ended and their adventurous life together began. They lived all over the US: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Alaska, California, Florida, Virginia, and eventually settled in Montana, having their four children along the way. Galen was a private pilot so they flew over many of the United States.

Muriel’s life was transformed in 1966 during the Jesus Movements of Southern California when she and Galen began following Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. She was an example of living as Jesus did, not only to her children and grandchildren but to many others as well. Muriel and Galen made, and kept up with, many, many great friends across the United States throughout their lives. They were married for just shy of 70 years, remaining great examples to us all of long term commitment. Through thick and thin, in sickness and health, they parted only in death when her beloved husband, Galen predeceased her in 2019.

Muriel loved to bake and was an excellent cook. She loved to read, sew, play games, and visit with her children and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Although she became more immobile and dealt with a lot of physical pain through the years, she kept her mind active and kept her spirits up by whomping us all in Canasta, Words with Friends, and 5 Crowns! Although generally a mild mannered woman, she was affectionately known for her spunky, and rather competitive spirit while playing Canasta! Boy did she not like it when someone bent the rules, took too long for their turn, or dared go out concealed or before she did!

Muriel outlived all of her brothers, and most of her cousins and is survived by her 4 children: Bethanie Sue Calvert Wanberg (Gary), Lynda Marie Calvert Schmiedbauer (Michael), Marc Eugene Calvert (Susan), Juli Elaine Calvert Jordan (Chip), 21 grandchildren and over 30 great grandchildren! She loved every one of her grandchildren: Galen Wanberg (Jen), Stephen Wanberg (Val), Jon Wanberg (Kari), and Gary David Wanberg; Marci Horn (Karl), Grant Berg (Beth), Susanne Schmiedbauer, Colette Schmiedbauer, Elsa Tunis (Will), Erin Gardner (Taylor), Meara Blevins (Latham), Laurel Watson (Harry); Hilary Calvert, Tyler Calvert (Stephanie), Abby Harkins (Colter), Daniel Calvert, Charlie Calvert; Juliana Jordan, Nathaniel Jordan (Kathryn), Moriah Ailes (Zachary), Taegen Madson (Tanner). Even into her last months, she relished the opportunity to welcome and snuggle new great grands when they came to visit.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Discovery Alliance Church (2630 Connery Way, Missoula, MT 59808). Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.