Norma Jean Murray
BLACKWELL — Norma Jean Murray, of Blackwell, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at Creekside Village in Ponca City at the age of 90 years. Norma was born March 8, 1927, in Cherryvale, Kan., the daughter of Raymond Franklin and Maude Ruby Strong Bush Sr. She received her education in Cherryvale and Blackwell, graduating from Blackwell High School with the class of ’45.
She married Howard Blower in 1945 and later married Ray Smith of Nowata. The marriage ended a few years later due to Ray’s untimely death. Following the death of her husband and after six and a half years of employment with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, she and her sons moved back to Blackwell. She then gained employment with Conoco Oil Company in the refinery personnel office. She later met and married Ross Murray, on May 8, 1959. Together they had three sons, Steve, Robert and Glen and a daughter, Kim.
She retired from Conoco in 1985 with 27 years of service. Following retirement, she volunteered for Blackwell General Hospital Auxiliary, the Red Cross Bloodmobile and the Meals-on-Wheels program. She was a member of the Friendship Sunday School class and First United Methodist Church for many years, where she served as a communion steward for 12 years and in other capacities as well.
Some of her favorite activities included weekly card games, Bingo, camping, fishing and trips out on the lake on her brother Ray’s pontoon boat. Following retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spoke often of friends met during her adventures. More than anything, the love for her family was abundant, in which she prepared the most delicious meals for them, always making sure that everyone was cared for before herself. Her spunky personality kept us laughing, her strength through adversity and kind and generous spirit were something we all admired.
She is survived by her son, Steve Smith and wife Vicki, of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; stepson, Glen Murray and wife Nancy, of Morgan Hill, Calif.; daughter, Kim Shoffner and husband Ron, of Braman. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chris Smith and wife Michelle, Janelle Arsich and husband Jeremy, Adam Smith and wife Kristy, Allison Friden and husband Brian, Ashley Cochenour, Whitney McMahon and husband J.J. and Bron Shoffner and wife Kalyn; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ross and son, Robert.
A service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 2, at First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Cap McIlnay and Lanny Jobe officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers are members of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Casket bearers are, Ron Shoffner, Chris Smith, Adam Smith, Bron Shoffner, J.J. McMahon, Brian Friden and Jeremy Arsich.
A memorial has been established in her honor with First United Methodist Church and the American Cancer Society in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
On-line condolences can be made at www.robertsandsonfh.com.
paid obituary