Muriel Irene Melby, 98, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2017 at Samaritan Bethany Home, in Rochester, MN.

Muriel Westwood was born September 22, 1918 in Rochester to Joseph and Ethel (Ellis) Westwood. She grew up in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School in 1936. Muriel was married on August 17, 1941 to William Denzell Melby.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary Budde (Duane) of Columbia Heights, MN, Karen Finn of Rochester, MN, Barbara Grandbois of Rochester, MN; son, Jim Melby of Spooner WI; daughter-in-law, Susan Melby of Plover WI; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. Muriel is preceded in death by husband, William; son, William; and sister, Mary Ellen Mitchell.

Muriel was well-known for hand-crocheting personalized doilies for more than 750 families throughout the U.S and made custom draperies for several decades. In her senior years, she frequented bingo establishments in Rochester. Muriel never lost her amazing ability to solve crossword puzzles and word jumbles and was seldom beaten at Scrabble!

Muriel's family is grateful for the compassionate care she received at St. Mary's Hospital and Samaritan Bethany. Those considering memorials are requested to direct them to Samaritan Bethany Home.