Born 4-26-1935, passed away on 4-13-2026

Murrel was bonded to the area she lived in. As a young girl she grew up with her family in the Priest Rapids area alongside the Columbia River, which was a very different river before the dams changed the area. Her interest in Native American culture was a part of growing up near the Wanapum Village, knowing the people and integrating with the culture. She and her family were a part of early Hanford and its surge of growth.

Murrel and her family were part of two historical events during these early days. They were at the Long House when Lesley Groves came to speak to the tribal elders. She also saw the downed dirigible that was part of a Japanese attempt to burn down areas near Hanford during WW2.As a young woman she flew to Hawaii to get married. Her husband-to-be, Rex Comfort, was a sailor, stationed at Pearl Harbor when she arrived. It was quite an adventure for a girl from Priest Rapids and she made it work.

As a young mother to two sons, Jon and Scott, they traveled with Rex as they looked for work and saw a lot of the United States even though it was a bit of a blur!

Eventually the family settled in the Tri-Cities. Murrel worked as a teacher’s aide, which gave her the summers off. She became an active volunteer (a dirt bum) for archeology digs in the Northwest as well as studying native plants in the area. Two passions that never left.

Her interest in native plants led to art and watercolor painting. Her eye for detail and color produced colorful depictions of our seasonal and arid landscapes.

All the while her home was a center of activity for Jon and Scott and their important friend Doug Hagerman, Murrel’s “third son”. A very busy time in her life.

In later years after various changes, Murrel and her second husband, Jack Dawson, retired and proceeded to wear out two Ford pickups, primarily traveling in the southwest visiting historic sites. Her new extended family included many layers of grandkids and great grandkids. Murrel and Jack lived on a hill outside of Benton City, which was an active area for many family events and gatherings.

Later years saw a move back into Richland and new interests including the Audubon Society and the dulcimer music community.

Rest in Peace Murrel.

Services will take place at Einan’s at Sunset in Richland on April 28th, 2026, with the Celebration of Life from 1:30-2:30pm and the Graveside Service to follow from 2:30-3:30pm.