Muriel Caven

Muriel Joan Caven (Parsons), 87, of Meridian, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Grace Memory Care in the early hours of Monday, May 19, 2025. Her sister Linda was by her side.

Muriel was born on December 3, 1937, to Marion and Avis Parsons in Nampa, Idaho. She spent her childhood on the Owyhee Indian Reservation in Nevada, in Port Angeles, Washington, and in Nampa. She attended College High on the campus of Northwest Nazarene College (now University), where she played basketball, sang in the choir, performed in plays, and joined the drill team. At home, she cared for her younger siblings while her mother attended nursing school.

After her freshman year at NNC, Muriel married Jerry Lee Caven (NNC ‘59, NNU honoris causa ‘17) on September 6th, 1958. Their five children were born within five years. As the children grew, the family traveled together to sporting events and enjoyed time on Payette Lake in McCall, ID. Muriel crafted memorable dinners, often capped off with the family’s famous homemade ice cream.

With the children off to college, Muriel traveled the world with Jerry and dear friends, and spent 40 years completing Precept Bible classes. She devoted many hours to caring for children so that young mothers could attend classes, too.

In 1997, Muriel and Jerry’s faith led them to share the gospel internationally. They lived for months at a time in South Asian countries, and partnered with local organizations to feed, clothe, house, and minister to those in need. “Auntie Muriel” maintained handwritten correspondences with friends around the world. She built lasting connections with Precept Ministries International, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Joni and Friends, Rejoice Radio, The Jesus Film Project, Boise Rescue Mission, and other organizations. She and Jerry gave generously—both at home and abroad—and passed on a heart for service and giving.

Back home, Muriel was an exceptional hostess. Muriel and Jerry always opened their doors to guests, and let them stay for hours or for years. Muriel made everyone feel comfortable and valued, and from time to time she even allowed a select few to beat her at a game of Yahtzee. She accompanied Jerry to the ranch, hosted family vacations in Maui, nurtured deep personal friendships, loved on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and rarely missed a Boise State football game, at home or away.

Muriel never spoke ill of others and rarely, if ever, complained. Her humor and competitive spirit remained vibrant through her 12-year journey with Parkinson’s. Her family will remember her unwavering consistency, generous spirit, and beautiful smile. She is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior!

Muriel is survived by her siblings: Bill, Bob, and Linda; her five children: Jay (Valerie), Gina, Michael (Lisa), Steven (Becky), and Geri Colleen Bottles (Mark); 14 of her 15 grandchildren: Robert (Berkley), Ryan (Cassandra), Mark (Amy), Christine Geeding, Jacob Bottles (Brittany), Jenna Henscheid (Ian), John Bottles, Anne Thompson, Lauren, Rachel Bottles, Julia (Jules), Jason, Julee, Caroline; and her eight great-grandchildren: Emma, Henry, Oliver, Calvin, Samuel, Raylan, India Bottles, and Kodi Bottles.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Lee Caven (d. 2019); her parents, Marion and Avis Parsons; and her grandson, Steven Thompson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Muriel’s companion team led by Leanne Kato, for their loving dedication; to Grace Memory Care in Meridian, and to First Choice Boise Home Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Precept Ministries International, 7324 Noah Reid Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421, or Bethesda Ministries Orphanage and Training Center in India via The Jerry and Muriel Caven Foundation - 760 E King St, Suite 105, Meridian, ID 83642.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Eagle Church of the Nazarene, 1001 W State Street, Eagle, Idaho.