Muriel C Crafton

Muriel Carolyn Crafton (Walters) passed away at home in El Paso on November 14, 2015. She joins her husband James (Jim) in eternal peace with our Lord in Heaven. Muriel was born in Massachusetts on November 7, 1927 to Ralph and Lillian Walters. Both her parents and brother Robert have preceded her in death. While working as a nurse in Boston, Muriel met the love of her life, James M. Crafton. She married him in Boston's famous Old South Church on July 10, 1955. As an Army wife, Muriel then embarked on a lifetime of moves and challenges as she and Jim moved around the world for his military assignments. However, no matter where she lived -- be it Germany, New York, Alaska, Tennessee or Texas -- Muriel created a loving home for her family, which over the years grew to include children Gary, Craig, Mary and Susan. She was also a caring, giving and wonderful friend with the unique ability to maintain friendships both across the miles and throughout the years. The family settled in El Paso in 1970 and established roots here. As her own children grew into adulthood and married, Muriel blossomed in the role of "Grammy" to her 10 grandchildren. Over the years she was able to share with them travels to new places, camping and fishing trips, or simply just visits at home. She will always be remembered for her willingness to get down to the kids' level and experience new adventures from their perspectives. After Jim's death in 1981, Muriel's family and friends sustained her. Travel with her friends, visits to family or simply Saturdays out with the "Golden Girls" kept her active and vibrant. Known for her infectious laugh and wicked sense of humor, Muriel was a joy to be with and enlivened any gathering she attended. Muriel is survived by her children Gary J. Crafton (Patricia) of El Paso, Craig R. Crafton (Shelly) of Guthrie, OK, Mary C. Sowell (Daniel) of Fort Collins, CO and Susan Crafton (Carlos) also of El Paso. Grammy's beloved grandchildren are: Jimmy, Brian, Roger, Timothy, Justin, Amber, Jennifer, Emily, Sarah and Shannon, as well as great-grandchildren Alexandria, Natalia, Madison, Cameron, Mirabel and Ryder. The family would like to extend its appreciation to Cima Hospice for its support during Muriel's last days, which enabled her to remain at home surrounded by all those who loved her. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. Visitation will be from 5-9 PM with Prayer Service at 7 PM on Thursday November 19, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Funeral Service will begin at 9 AM Friday November 20, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Committal Service will follow at 10 AM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.