Nancy J. Murray

Mrs. Nancy Murray, age 71 of Dongola, died at 3:39 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2016 at her home at the Red Gate Ranch in Dongola after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Nancy was born on November 19, 1944 in Mattoon, the daughter of Howard N. and Martha Evelyn (Gordon) Scott. On July 15, 1965 in Jackson, Missouri, Nancy was united in marriage to John Murray from El Paso, Texas and they settled in Southern Illinois. Nancy graduated Summa Cumlaude from Southeast Missouri State University with an undergraduate degree in education and a Master's degree in art education. Nancy worked as a teacher for more than thirty-five years at Century Elementary, Century High School and Shawnee Community College. Nancy will be especially remembered for her beauty, intelligence and tremendous kindness. She loved, protected and cared for hundreds of animals and thousands of children throughout her lifetime. Nancy's love for others was only surpassed by her love for her family. Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, John Murray of Dongola; daughter, Jonni Jahnae (Curt) Erpenbach of Indianapolis, IN; son, Scott (Donna) Murray of Dongola; five grandchildren, Gavin (Rachel) Asbury, Drake Erpenbach, Chelsie (Brandon) Graffrath, Kaylee (Eric) Linderman and Scotti Murray; four great-grandchildren, Rae Asbury, Landon Graffrath, Drake and Kimber Linderman; three sisters, Martha McAnnally, Beverly Klein and Geri McCann, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Nancy's family would like to extend a special thank you to caregivers Sherri Lemons, Joe Johnson, Ryan Bone and the Hospice Blue West Team. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Nancy's Celebration of Life Reception from 2 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Blue Boar Restaurant at 920 Kratzinger Hollow Road in Cobden. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna and at the Blue Boar Restaurant. Memorial/Funeral Service Sunday, March 20, 2016,2:00PM Blue Boar Restaurant 920 Kratzinger Hollow Road Anna, IL 62906