Muriel Ann Beshears

Muriel Ann Beshears, a beloved educator and cherished member of the Vandalia community, passed away peacefully at the Baptist Home of Tri-County on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born on January 2, 1943, in Vandalia, MO, Muriel was the daughter of Sam P. and Mary Margaret (Flowerree) Martin. She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Averil Beshears, Jr. on August 20, 1966, in Vandalia, MO at the First Baptist Church.

Muriel’s warm personality shone brightly in her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Averil Beshears of the home with whom she shared many wonderful moments, including traveling across all fifty states. Muriel also took great joy in spending time with her children: Beth Motley and her husband Kevin of Vandalia, MO; Aaron Beshears and his wife Jackie of Columbia, MO; and Brandon Beshears of Montana. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Sarah Motley (Caleb White) of Fenton, MO; Claire Motley of Creve Coeur, MO; Rebecca Motley of Vandalia, MO; and Matthew and Alex Beshears of Columbia, MO. She also delighted in being a great-grandmother to Sadie White. Muriel is also survived by a brother, Don Martin (Johna) of Middletown, MO and sisters, Judy Williams (Don) of Smithville, MO and Nita Rooney (Shawn) of Marietta, GA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Samuel and Bradley Martin

Muriel was a dedicated teacher, beginning her career in the Quincy Public School District, Quincy, Il, teaching World History and French for one year. After her marriage, she taught fifth grade in the Van-Far school district at the Farber Elementary School. Muriel then became a stay at home mother to her 3 children. When she resumed her career, she taught sixth grade in Perry for 17 years. She retired from the Mark Twain school district in 2004 but then began teaching middle schoolers at Perry Christian Academy before she finally retired for good. Her passion for education was further reflected in her years of service on the Van-Far School Board and the Van-Far Alumni Association, where she was a charter member and President.

A proud alumna of Van-Far High School, Muriel graduated in 1961 and went on to pursue higher education at Hannibal-LaGrange College where she received her AA. She completed her B.S. Ed at Central Missouri State College in 1965. Throughout her career, she was known for her kindness and generosity, always ready to lend a hand to students and colleagues alike. Muriel's devotion to her vocation and community was only matched by her commitment to her family.

Muriel was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Vandalia, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, G.A. leader, and choir member. She went to Romania in the early 2000s as part of a church plant mission team. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Muriel was also a project and community leader of the Liberty Wide Awake 4-H club, former President of the Round Grove and Ralls County Extension Councils; and former President of the American Association of University Women-Vandalia Branch. All of her interests exemplified a spirit of growth and learning among the youth of her community.

In her leisure time, Muriel enjoyed reading, knitting, genealogy, and traveling. Her life was characterized by boundless love and a dedication to making a positive impact on those around her, especially her family.

Muriel Ann Beshears will be deeply missed by her family and the many lives she touched throughout her life. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and to join in celebrating her life during the funeral service on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Pastor Brian Lehenbauer and Pastor Bob Hoehn will officiate. Both services will be held at the First Baptist Church, located at 214 N Lindell St, Vandalia, MO 63382. Burial will be at a later date in the Vandalia Cemetery. The family is being served by the Waters Funeral Home of Vandalia.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sarah Motley, Claire Motley, Rebecca Motley, Matthew Beshears and Alex Beshears.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Van-Far Alumni Association, in care of Waters Funeral Home

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Muriel's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com