Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

Muriel Fisher Babcock died in her home with her family May 19, 2023, at the age of 98. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 23, 1925, the daughter of Harry C. and Alberta May Fisher, the sister of Ronald. She graduated from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati in music and the University of Cincinnati in sociology. She attended Miami University to obtain her teaching license in special education and taught special education for several decades. She was a church organist/choir director until her retirement at the age of 91 and she taught piano lessons throughout her life, including a lesson she shared the final week of her life.

In 1951, Muriel married Donald Wellington Babcock, a musical director and school administrator and they had four children; Bruce, Holly, Benjamin, and Heather. The couple encouraged their children in innumerable musical pursuits. She participated in PEO, the American Federation of Music Clubs, and supported Main Street United Methodist Church with her music, mission leadership, and membership. In 2016, she moved to Vermont with Holly to join Heather, her husband, Mike, and their family. Muriel was an avid gardener and kept things blooming wherever she lived.

Muriel’s remarkable musical accomplishments were surpassed by her loving temperament. Her family is thankful to God for her love in our lives and we praise God that He has provided the joy of eternal life for Muriel not on her merits which could never have been sufficient but through Christ’s forgiveness on the cross alone.

Muriel was predeceased by her father and mother, her brother, and her husband, Don. She is survived by her son Bruce (Sally) Babcock of California, her daughter, Holly Babcock, of Vermont, her son, Ben Babcock, of Idaho, and her daughter, Heather (Mike) Battig of Vermont; grandchildren, Evangeline (Scott) Kemp, Samuel (Deidra) Babcock, Katherine (Benjamin) Ditzel; all of California, Bethany (Gilbert) Ramseur of South Carolina, Susanna (Hunter) Selg of Minnesota, Kelsa (Philip) Graybill of Pennsylvania, Caleb Battig (Roisin O’Dowd) of Pennsylvania, and Julianna Battig (Marc Hachey) of Vermont; and 9 great-grandchildren: Savannah, Carter, Sophia, Samantha, Samuel, Lily, Naomi, Nathanael, Madison, Oliver, Ruthie, and Atlas.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held Saturday, May 27; 10:30 am at Mansfield Memorial Park in Ontario, Ohio followed by a lunch reception. A memorial service to remember her life will be held at Christ Memorial Church in Williston, Vermont on Wednesday, July 5 at 10:30 am.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family with local arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lighthouse Bible Church, a church plant pastored by Scott Kemp, husband of Muriel’s grandchild, Evangeline. Muriel lovingly supported their ministry for many years and would be honored by your contributions in her remembrance. Donations may be given online at https://missionaries.namb.net/full/christofer-kemp or sent by check made out to the North American Mission Board with “TRCWUA-Kemp,Scott” in the memo line and mailed to North American Mission Board, PO Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com

8 Comments

  1. It has been my privilege to be Muriel’s son-in-law these past four decades. I have been honored to serve her during her last years and days as she moved to Vermont. She would have preferred to stay in Ohio, but she graciously accepted the hand that God had dealt her. She had a great sense of humor and many days would ask, “do I need to salute the Colonel” when I returned home from work. A live welll-lived. May her tribe increase!

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  2. We were blessed by Muriel’s kindness and care for the preborn and look forward to the day when we will meet again minus these jars of clay. We’re praying comfort for the family left behind for now, but praise God for the hope we have in Him of seeing our friends and loved ones again!

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  3. Mrs. Babcock lovingly taught me to play the piano and organ for roughly a decade. Her patient and kind demeanor influenced my love for the keys and I have often thought of her as I played over the last 15 years. I pray for God’s comfort over her family, she is enjoying the most beautiful music now.

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  4. I am so sorry to hear of Muriel’s passing. When she left Mansfield for Vermont those of us area organists felt a strong, similar loss. She was a great member of our A.G.O. chapter and a great Christian. Holly, you especially are in my thoughts and prayers since our acquaintance goes way back. God bless you.

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  5. We extend our deepest condolences to Heather and Mike and the whole family. May she rest in peace and your innumerable happy memories of her help lesson the loss you feel during this difficult time of sorrow and sadness. With deepest sympathy,

    Mahmoud and Roya Arani

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  6. I am so sorry to hear of Muriel’s passing. She has been missed in Mansfield since her move to Vermont. It brings back a lot of memories going back to the Babcock’s move to Mansfield and Muriel playing flute in the Mansfield Symphony. My condolences to the family.

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  7. Unable to greet you Saturday for Muriel’s service. My thoughts are with you at this time. Hello Holly.

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  8. Mrs. Babcock taught all 3 of our boys piano lessons back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. She was a very kind, patient teacher. She gave all 3 boys a good foundation for their love of music and playing instruments as they grew up. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock both made a lasting impression on our Family.

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