Muriel Audrey Lenhardt

Muriel Moore Lenhardt June 30, 1929 - April 22, 2025

Muriel Audrey Moore was born in Red Lodge, Montana to William H. and Edna McIntosh McEwen Moore. She joined brothers Bill and Ken. The ensuing 95 years of life were filled with adventure, learning new things, friendships, and family.

Ken was one year older and together they had lots of fun and adventures in their small town

-train rides in the front engine car, taking their pet racoon everywhere, building robots and boats, and playing with the neighbors. Big brother Bill was always her protector. Muriel loved being outdoors, skiing and skating in the winter and riding her horse in the summer. Visiting new colts on their ranch along Red Lodge Creek was a favorite thing.

After high school Muriel attended Colorado State College of Education in Greeley. She loved her years there and found her calling as a teacher. Her mother's illness and extended treatment at Mayo Clinic called Muriel closer to home. She continued her studies and graduated from Eastern Montana College. Teaching two years in Belfry and two in Livingston reinforced that she loved being a teacher. Only a young farmer from Hesper named Ed Lenhardt could distract her from her calling. They married in 1953 and spent the rest of their lives together on the family farm west of Billings. There they had the joy of raising four daughters. Mom was 100% supportive of all our activities including 4-H, Rainbow, and of course school. She drove a million miles, met late night team buses, attended every concert, and sewed formals, costumes, and sorority dresses. She taught us we could do anything we wanted. By example she showed us the importance of integrity, kindness, and appreciating each person for their unique selves. From mom we learned the value of sitting quietly to ponder the wonder of mother nature, the songs of the birds, and the beauty of a sunset.

Besides the farm and mother doings, Muriel had her own activities. She volunteered time in her community and church and enjoyed a variety of women's groups including life-time memberships in Beta Sigma Phi, Eastern Star, and YC Republican Women. She was always open to learning, enjoying Bible Study Fellowship and courses at the YWCA. She enjoyed using the computer for farm accounting, but also for creating unique cards and photos. She did the computer work for a documentary video of the valley's sugar beet industry. Her i-pad was a favorite way to keep up with the world and organize her photos. Texting and playing word games on her smart phone she communicated daily with family members.

Muriel was a wonderful cook. From harvest crew dinners to elegant dinner parties to rousing family holidays she planned every detail and always enjoyed entertaining in her home. Stopping by for coffee and cookies was routine for neighbors and relatives. She was a good listener and was lots of fun. She'd see the humor in what was happening and

the next thing you knew everyone was laughing. Having their grandchildren visit was her and Grandpa's special time. The farm was the "happy place" and homebase for all of us.

Muriel was preceded in death by husband Edward Lenhardt in 2022, her parents William and Edna Moore, her father-and- mother-in-law Adolph and Emma Lenhardt, her brothers William and Kenneth Moore and their spouses Patricia and Hannah, her in-laws Robert and Elsa Mae Lenhardt, Art and Marion Steinmetz, Bill and Marge Lackman, and son-in-law Sam Stroeher.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Cathy Stroeher, Cheryl Lenhardt, Shawna and Guy Byrd, and Shar and Kuru Palaiyan; Her grandchildren Nick (Emily) Stroeher, Beth (Kramer) Wahlberg, Jordan (Shane) Hirst, Ryan (Erin) Byrd, Hallie Byrd, Megan Palaiyan, and Ashley (Alex) Gordon. She has seven great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at Michelotti-Sawyers, 1001 Alderson Avenue, Billings, MT 59102. Celebration of Life will be Friday, May 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Rd, Billings, MT 59106. (Use Broadwater entrance) Lunch following.