Muriel Violet Havens

March 2, 1923 - May 12, 2012

Muriel Violet Rucker Havens passed peacefully from this life on May 12, 2012 at the age of 89 after a brief illness following a stroke. She was a compassionate, devout, and loyal wife and homemaker, mother, friend, and caretaker of all. After a penned courtship during WWII, she married Robbie G. Havens on June 7, 1946. Robbie preceded Muriel in death in 2006 after a loving marriage of 60 years. Together, Robbie and Muriel were charter members of Lakeview United Methodist Church where Muriel taught Sunday school classes and served on various committees of the church. Both later transferred their membership to First United Methodist Church of Port Arthur. Born on March 2, 1923 to Charles King Rucker Sr. and Viola J. Rucker, Muriel was the oldest of four children, including Charles K. Rucker Jr., Ralph D. Rucker, and Evelyn Rucker Hebert, all of which have preceded her in death. A native of Port Arthur, she never moved away from this city. Muriel was an avid gardener and lover of birds and all of God's creatures. She was an active member of the Port Arthur Garden Club and the Texas A&M Mother's Club for many years, and made many friends there. She was well known for her knowledge of horticulture and had won awards for her camellias and day lilies in numerous garden shows. Her ability to revive unhealthy plants was uncanny. In later years, she and Robbie reveled in their tomato gardens and competed to see who grew the best vegetables. Muriel enjoyed summers at the Havens' beach cabin at Port Bolivar with her extended family, friends, and children's friends. She and Robbie loved to fish and shrimp, and enjoyed all types of beach activities. Everyone looked forward to her shouts of "Who wants to go crabbing?" or "Who wants to walk on the beach?" But make no mistake, Muriel was the ruler of the roost whether at home or beach cabin. She didn't hesitate to speak out defending her point of view or her children whenever there was a perceived disrespect or disservice. Through those times of toughness and conviction, she earned many peoples' respect since she would always explain her rationale with love and kindness. Muriel is survived by her son, Louis C. Havens and daughter-in-law Christi, daughter, Jeanette Havens McCormac and son-in-law Lee, and daughter, Kathryn A. (Kitty) Havens. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Robert louis Havens and wife Judy, Wendy Havens Billiot, Robbie l. McCormac, Leslie McCormac, Or. Shannon Lounge Ray, M. Kenneth Lounge, and l. Kathy Lounge, as well as five great-grandchildren, Kristen Sonnenberg, Lindsey Havens, Reagan Havens, Tiffany Ray and Arianna Ray. Granny will be missed, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck! Pallbearers will be: grandsons, Robbie McCormac, Kenneth Lounge and nephews, Tommy Rucker, Grady Rucker, Danny Rucker, and Donald Hebert. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson Robert Havens and great-grandson Reagan Havens.