Muriel M. (Elmore) Gooder

Muriel M. Elmore Gooder, 95 of Chattanooga TN (formerly of Hamilton MT) went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, February 12th, 2024 at her granddaughter's home.

Muriel was born January 17th, 1929 to Vernon and Doris (Alkire) Elmore in Butte, MT. In August of 1930 during the Great Depression, Vernon, Doris, and Baby Muriel moved to Kansas following work leads. A few short years later the family made their way back to Montana and ended up in the Bitterroot Valley. Muriel had a devout love of Jesus that shined through even while she was in grade school. That love of Jesus prompted the church to give her her own Sunday School class at Grantsdale Community Church. She adored children and had the heart and patience for teaching them. Little did anyone know at the time, that she would remain a faithful servant to that church for her entire life.

Muriel attended high school at Hamilton High and was a graduate with the class of 1947. While in school she was a member of Girls Club Cabinent, Hamiltonian, Declimation, Band, Home Economics, and Quill and Scroll. She was also very involved with the local 4-H club and the family was instrumental in helping get the program up and running in the valley.

Shortly after graduation Muriel took a clerical job at Koch and McKenna. It was more than a job to her and she considered those she worked with family. Working in a law office she became passionate about civil and human rights and continued to stay up on many humanitarian issues long after she left the law office.

In the late 1950's Muriel became Superintendent at Grantsdale Community Church and helped with services and administrative tasks. In short order she was asked to take over as Pastor. She especially loved the Vacation Bible School the church sponsored. This would be an enduring legacy as Muriel continued VBS and through the church, sent MANY children to summer camp in Kalispell. Muriel was involved with Ladies Aid, Bible Club, and Bible Studies throughout her entire time in service to the church. She ministered to ALL. The ease in which she spoke, the easy smile, and the many lessons she preached were easy to understand and relate to. She was a true proponent for HOPE and never giving up on anyone. She firmly believed if you were faithful, God would provide. And he did just that in her life. There are many instances of tribulations that seemed impossible, that prayer and devotion seemed to smooth over and work out.

On December 28th, 1962 Muriel married Glenn R Gooder in a beautiful ceremony at her church. Glenn was a Veteran and she became involved with the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and also was a passionate advocate for Veterans and their caregivers.

On April 8th 1965, Glenn and Muriel welcomed daughter Julie into their family. Julie was the apple of Muriel's eye and much beloved even after Julie's untimely death in October 2016.

Muriel was an intrepid adventurer and was always up for trying something new. She was gifted a trip of a lifetime by the church to go to Israel and it held a special place in her heart throughout her entire life. She traveled all over North America over the years, and even made it to Chicago to the Moody Bible Institute.

In 2017 Muriel's family made the difficult decision to move her to Chattanooga, TN to live with her granddaughter Crystal and her family. Leaving the Bitterroot Valley that she so loved was difficult but she enjoyed having her great grandsons under the same roof as her. She also got to go on several trips while under their care and made many special memories they will cherish forever.

While our family mourns the loss of this amazing matriarch, we know she has had a joyous reunion with her God and the many friends and family that went before her.

Muriel is survived by her granddaughter Crystal (Lofftus) Swanson and her husband Daniel Swanson, their sons Wyatt and Barrett Swanson (Chattanooga TN); grandson Michael Lofftus (Great Falls, MT) and his son Bishop Lofftus (Minot, ND); siblings Nancy Mumbower (Columbus, MT); David (Ariel) Elmore (Hamilton, MT); Sharon Luedecke (Hamilton, MT); Gary (Sandy) Elmore (Libby, MT) and their respective families.

Muriel is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Doris Elmore, husband Glenn R Gooder, daughter Julie Gooder Lofftus, and brothers Donald and James Elmore.

Services will be held at Daly-Leach Chapel February 24th, 2024 at 3:00 with a reception immediately following. A live stream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person. For those planning to attend, we do ask to wear bright colors if you are comfortable doing that, as Muriel would want this to be a celebration of her life.

For those that wish to express sympathy our family asks in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Grantsdale Community Church outreach program or to any local organization that serves children or Veterans.