GARDOM, Muriel

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/26/2010 Muriel Heiland Gardom, 74, died Feb. 23, 2010, at Hinckson Assisted Living in St. Johns. She was born Nov. 10, 1935, in Hemet, Calif. Muriel lived a full life. She was an artist in everything she did; from oil painting, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching to woodworking. Muriel made her living as a florist and by selling her wonderful paintings. At one point in her life, she was chairman of the Apache County Democrats. She was also instrumental in getting the snow fences installed on Highway 260 to keep this side of the mountain open for tourists. Most of all, Muriel enjoyed her husband Sam and her friends. She loved being aunt Muriel to Patty and Greg's girls. Muriel is survived by daughters Dr. Marlou Heiland of Chandler and Marsha Heiland of Hampton, N.H.; stepchildren Leslie Smith of Phoenix and Sammy Gardom Jr. of Tonto Basin; sister Valerie Johnson of St. George, Utah; four grandchildren and loving friends and guardians Patty Orona and Susie Silva. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Sam Gardom who passed away Nov. 25, 2009. A celebration of Muriel's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Rode Inn banquet room, 242 E. Main in Springerville. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements. To send condolences, visit burnhammortuary.com.