Merle Jo Murray

After many months of illness, Merle Jo Murray, 90, of Polson, MT, died very peacefully in her home, early on the morning of December 8, 2011. During her final days, Merle Jo's humor and sharp wit were truly remarkable as she made her final connections with members of her large, loving and beloved family. Merle Jo was born in Forsyth MT, on October 6, 1921. After high school, she attended Normal School in Billings and earned her teaching certificate. She taught in Vananda and Lame Deer. During World War II she worked at the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, after the war, she married Clarence Murray and became mother to his three sons. Merle and Clarence had seven children, three of whom died prior to birth. She is survived by her children: daughter Jackie and her husband Darrell Kruzen of Polson: her son, Ted Murray, currently in Arizona: her daughter Kitt and her husband Steve Adams of Proctor: her daughter Nonna and her husband Jerry Anderson of Polson: her three stepsons, Donald, Bill and Darrell: Six much-loved grandsons and eight great grandchildren: and numerous nieces and nephews. As her children grew, Merle returned to teaching, first at the Proctor School, where she taught all 8 grades, then at Browning Elementary before taking a position as school librarian in Boulder, Montana. Merle truly loved books and she touched many children's lives through the books and stories she shared with them. One of Merle's final desires was to let people know that she was sorry for any pain she had caused anyone and for them to know that she was so sorry. She also wanted people to know that she forgave anyone who had ever hurt her and to know that she completely forgave them. We will remember her warm generous nature, her kindness and sense of fun, her deep love for Montana and her commitment to our Catholic Church. A Vigil will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson on Monday, December 12, at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 13 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father James Connor celebrating the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery following the Mass. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Merle's family. :
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