Muriel Anderson

Muriel Lee Anderson, died Thursday, May 10, 2012, at home in Durango, Colo. Shortly after Mrs. Anderson’s death, her husband, Russel D. “The Viking” Anderson, suffered a life-ending cerebro-vascular accident due to stress and a broken heart; he was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, and died on May 11, 2012. Mrs. Anderson, known as Lee, was 64 years old, and Russel was 67.

Lee was born January 6, 1948, in Langley Field, Va. She was the daughter of an airforce active duty serviceman, so she moved about the country to various military bases.

Russel was born November 30, 1945 in Richfield, Utah, and he grew up in Richfield. One of Mr. Anderson’s favorite and repeated mantras was “La mina perdida de la ventana” which means “the lost window rock mine”. Russel was a prospector, miner, and southwest artist. He was “one crazy old man,” said his son, Ira.

Russel and Lee were married in 1966 in Santa Barbara, Calif. They moved to Pagosa in the early 70’s, where they raised their family.

“Lee’s family was her life,” remembers her daughter Wanda Anderson.

“She was a perfect little grandma and the greatest mom ever!” agree her four sons, Ira, Earl, Neal and James.

Together, Lee and Russel were wonderful life partners. They were active dancers and traveled the country together, especially to be close to family.

They are survived by five children: Wanda Anderson of Graford, Texas; Ira Anderson of Vernon, Utah; Earl Anderson of St. George, Utah; and Neil and James Anderson of Durango. Twenty grandchildren and one great-grandson also survive the couple.

Lee is survived by one sister, Delcia LaFon of Henderson, Nev.

Russel is survived by his mother, Wanda Anderson of Las Vegas, Nev., and two brothers: Gordon and Ronnie Anderson, both of Las Vegas, Nev.

Cremation will occur for both Lee and Russel and a private family scattering service will be held this week in Pagosa Springs at the gate of Black Mountain Road to Pagosa Peak.