Muriel M. (Benson) Winchell, 88, a resident of Scituate for 56 years, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012. She was the wife of the late Charles F. Winchell and daughter of the late Frederick and Ethel (Phelan) Winchell. Mrs. Winchell was a teacher for the Johnston School Department for 30 years before retiring. She was also a column writer for the Society Section of the Providence Journal for a short time. She was a life member of the Scituate Art Festival Committee and also participated as an artist. She was a member and participated in many social activities of Shepherd of the Valley Church. She was a 1944 graduate of R.I. College of Education and loved to travel.

She was the loving mother of Thomas C. Winchell of Scituate, Russell D. Winchell of Plymouth, MA and the late Polly Hughes. She also leaves 6 grandchildren, Ryan & Kelsey Hughes, Kyle, Samantha, Nickolas and Jeffrey Winchell.

A Memorial Service will be held, Saturday, Apr. 14, 2012 at 11 am in the Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, 604 Seven Mile Rd., Hope, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations to Shepherd of the Valley Church, 604 Seven Mile Rd, Hope, RI 02831 will be appreciated.