Norma Lorene Murray

Norma Lorene Murray, a member of a pioneer Rogers County family, passed away at her Claremore residence on May 7 while surrounded by her loving family. She was 86.
Lorene was born on May 9, 1933 in Claremore to Charley B. and Fleta Shrum. She married the love of her life, Granvill “Buck” Murray on January 10, 1953. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage. In addition to Buck, she is survived by daughters Janette Murray Rose (Harold) of Fort Gibson, OK, Kathy Murray of Claremore, OK, Karen Murray Cooper (Bruce) of Boonesville, AR, and Deanna Murray Dilldine (Gordon) of Claremore, OK. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. All of these she loved and touched deeply. Other survivors include her beloved sister and friend Marcella Dennis (Danny) of Claremore, OK, sisters Beatrice Brazeal of Claremore, OK and Earline Beam of Pasadena, Texas. She leaves behind numerous nieces, and nephews and friends.
She completed eight years of schooling at Justus School, graduated from Claremore High School in 1951 and began employment at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Tulsa. Later, she worked at McDonald Douglas in Tulsa. In 1968, she and her husband began Murray’s Heating and Air in Claremore. She worked faithfully by his side until selling the business in 1981. Later, she and Buck owned Murray’s Seamless Guttering, retiring in 1995. Although Lorene worked outside the home, her greatest vocation was a devoted wife to Buck and loving mother to their four girls. She worked tirelessly, never complaining, often sacrificing, to make sure their needs were met before her own. She loved her family and instilled in her daughters strong values that have served them well. Lorene also provided care for her ailing Mother in the Murray home for many years. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Lorene loved traveling. Owning their own business allowed Buck and Lorene to travel to many foreign countries. Upon retirement, they and friends drove to Alaska and camped in their fifth wheel trailers. Many in their circle of friends continued to travel yearly to Colorado for hunting and fishing trips. For many years, these same friends had a standing weekly date to eat dinner followed by card games. She taught these games to her grandchildren, showing no mercy for letting them win. Lorene was known for her kindness and warm smile. She had a great love for the out of doors. Green was her favorite color. Lorene was moved by beautiful sunrises and sunsets. She enjoyed old barns and autumn foliage. Reeling in a big rainbow trout brought great delight. She loved birds and flowers of all kinds and passed on her love of nature to her four girls.
Funeral Services are pending. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence are welcomed at https://www.mmsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/ .