"Love and family closeness and respect can never be outdone by anything else. It's the lynchpin....holds everything together."
WASP Muriel Virginia Kiester Martin, 44-W-5
Early morning, on November 4,
2016, Muriel Kiester Martin made her final ascent. Imagine her soaring, happy, and
free, looking down upon her beloved family. Born in La Feria, Texas on February 24, 1922,
she was 94 years old, and had lived a full and purposeful life.
Her parents, Carl and Bertha
Kiester, were among the early settlers of La Feria and pioneers in the citrus
business. Muriel grew up with her older sister “Dee” and younger brother David.
Muriel was an enthusiastic equestrian
and horse lover all her life. She explored the valley on her first horse,
Morocco, and passed on her enthusiasm and skills to friends and family for as
long as she was able. It was in pursuit of a riding school, that she introduced
her family to San Miguel de Allende in the early sixties. Later, she even
managed to enlist the Mexican cavalry, in Reynosa, to teach riding to her
children and some of their friends.
For many years, Muriel ran and
maintained the citrus groves her father had started. She was an accomplished nursery
woman, and took pride in every single orange and grapefruit in her orchards. She
always added a few sprigs of bougainvillea and fresh rosemary to each box of
gift fruit that she would personally pack.
Muriel was not one to sit down
and take it easy, and always had a project going. As a youngster, she carved
delicate little 3 dimensional wooden horses. Later in life, she took up chip
carving, a German style of pattern carving. Her family and many of her friends
have intricately carved wooden chests that Muriel loving made for them. But her
main project was the beautiful environment she created around her home. Though
she enjoyed adventures to Mexico, Muriel was a homebody. That was her soul
place. She was interested in every palm tree, hibiscus, rose bush and bougainvillea
on the property. She kept the lake in front of the house clear and fresh. And
she loved sharing it. For many years she ran a summer camp for young children-
Camp Thunderbird. Kids had a blast learning to swim, ride, make all sorts of
cool crafts, and participate in other camp activities. Camp Thunderbird was a
source of great pride to Muriel, and many kids around the valley benefitted
from her leadership and guidance.
Muriel was a patriot. When
Pearl Harbor was attacked, she was compelled to respond. She learned about the
newly created Women AirForce Service Pilots (WASP). The next year, while a
junior at the University of Texas, she rode her bike out to the airport to take
flying lessons so she could apply to enter WASP training.
Muriel entered the
Army Air Forces flight-training program at Avenger Field in Sweetwater in December
1943. She was one of 1,830 who were accepted into the program, out of 25,000
who applied. It was a grueling program. 1,074 earned their wings. After
graduation, she was stationed at Eagle Pass Army Air Base, an advanced gunnery
school, where she flew AT-6 tow target missions for ground and aerial gunnery
practice, training aviation cadets for combat, until the WASP program was
deactivated. In 2009, the WASPs were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Muriel accepted the award in Washington DC, surrounded by her proud family and
lifelong friends.
While in the service, Muriel
met Archie, an Army Air Force Flight Surgeon from Virginia. They married in 1944
and settled in La Feria, where they raised a family. They shared a love for flying,
sailing and their four children. Archie pursued his career as a radiologist in
Harlingen. They were devoted patents, engaged in providing every opportunity
possible for their children.
Known as “Kies” by her
grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was a fun, active, involved
grandmother. She often impressed them with her ping-pong, riding, tennis, archery,
and canoeing skills. And, of course, they all loved her famous pancakes,
crackerjack and homemade chocolate sauce.
Muriel is survived by her four
children: Anne, Bunnie, Ginny and Graham; her grandchildren, Martin, David,
Charlotte, Archie, Carl, Beaman and Bella; and her great-grandchildren, Alston,
Watson, Garrett and Tucker.
Muriel was a unique
individual; very strong but equally gentle. Never did any of us doubt that she
loved us with all her heart. And we loved her back. She enriched the lives of
many people throughout her life.
We can't imagine a better
mother, grandmother, woman, and role model.
RIP Muriel Kiester Martin.
A special appreciation is
extended to her sister in law and friend, Judy Kiester, and her caregivers
Graciela and Jose Castillo.
Memorial
donations may be made to the La Feria Public Library (which Muriel helped
establish)
400 South Main Street
La Feria, TX 78559
______________________
Posted as written from the family of Murial Martin.
Quote from the Wings Across America interview.
Quote from the Wings Across America interview.
____________________________
Personal note.
Wings Across America spent an unforgettable day with Murial on her beautiful oasis in the middle of south Texas, just about 10 miles from the border with Mexico. Soft spoken, gentle, and filled with a quiet joy, she was delightful. Ask her about her family, her horses, the ranch or flying, and the sparkle in her eyes would grow brighter and brighter. I can still remember her kindness and her warm, easy laugh. Lovely, remarkable lady. Our prayers for her family and for all of those who were touched by this remarkable, fiercly loving spirit. Our hearts are grateful for having known her. God bless you all.
More on Murial -- Article on the Congressional Gold Medal
More on Murial -- Article on the Congressional Gold Medal
