Muriel Allred Allridge

Muriel Allridge, age 93, passed away peacefully and returned to her heavenly home on August 12, 2026. A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ for her entire life, Muriel was valiant to her convictions and always kind and friendly to everyone around her. She was a woman of great faith who centered her life on keeping her covenants and living true to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For as long as she could, attending the temple was always the highlight of her week.

Muriel was born to Merrill and Ora Allred in the middle of the Depression on December 16, 1932 in the Salt Lake City LDS Hospital. By the time she was six months old her family moved back to Emery, Utah to farm. She adored her siblings; two older brothers, Wells and Jim, and three older sisters, Marcella, Richine, and Reila; and was close to her younger brother, Ellis. She was pampered as one of the youngest children and loved her childhood in Emery. She milked cows, rode horses, helped plant the garden, and raised beautiful Persian cats. She loved to ice skate on a nearby frozen pond.

Muriel's mother was her grade school teacher in 5th and 6th grades, an experience she remembers fondly. Her mother insisted she learn to play the piano and they traveled forty miles to get her to the best teacher in the area. This ability to play the piano blessed her life and the lives of many others.

She graduated from South Emery High School as salutatorian and performed Rhapsody in Blue in the ceremonies as well as the graduation march with tears in her eyes. She was also one of the school's baton twirlers and was known for throwing her baton higher than anyone. This unusual skill has delighted many of her grandchildren over the years.

After high school she attended Brigham Young University where she studied piano with the renowned composer and conductor, Crawford Gates. At age 19, she met Lee Allridge from Ferron, who gave her a ride home from Salt Lake City. Although Lee was dating someone else at the time, as he dropped her off at her home in Emery, he said, "Someday I'm going to marry you!" They dated only three months before they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 27, 1953.

Muriel and Lee moved to American Fork, Utah where Lee began a plumbing business. As an excellent typist, Muriel served as his secretary and bookkeeper for many years. They began their family right away and soon had three little girls: Denise, Michele and Robyn. To everyone's delight, their only son Dallan was born a few years later. In Muriel's early 40's she delivered two more beautiful daughters, Amber and Alyssa.

Like her mother, Muriel was known for being an excellent cook. While homemaking was her first priority, Muriel had many opportunities for leadership in her Church service. She served as a Relief Society president under three bishops, as Young Women's president, and as a Primary counselor. She also served civically as a charter member of the Intermezzo Music Club, and as a PTA President. She loved making beautiful ceramics, sewing, shopping, traveling, going with Lee to the Big Horn Ranch, and supporting her children in their many activities. She was a friend to all; a woman of compassion and service and was in turn loved by many people. In the last years of her life she lived at River Meadows Assisted Living where she had many special friends, kind workers, and devoted family who helped to care for her. Muriel's two granddaughters, Megan Brown and Rebecca Wray happily spent countless hours in her service.

Muriel is survived by her children Denise Alexander (Allen), Michele Welch (Tim), Robyn Welch (Rob), Dallan Allridge (Suzy), Amber Stohlton (John) and Alyssa James (Spencer); 31 grandchildren and 89 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lee, who passed away in 2006. The smile on her face at her passing reflects it was a grand reunion.

The funeral for Muriel will be held in the LDS Matterhorn Chapel, 285 North Matterhorn Drive, Alpine, Utah 84004, on Saturday August 22 nd at 11:00 am. Visitations will be held at the same chapel on the morning of the service from 9:45-10:45 am and on Friday, August 21 st at the Anderson & Sons Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah 84003, from 6-8 pm. Interment will be in the American Fork City Cemetery.