Geraldine Sue Kelsey McMurray passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland. She was 84.

Born May 26, 1931, in Pryor, Okla., to Edward and Adeline Kelsey, Gerry was raised in Oklahoma with older sister Virginia, older brother Ed “Bud” and twin brother Gerald. She was a graduate of the Pryor High School class of 1949 and attended college at Northeastern State Normal School in Tahlequah, Okla., where she earned her associate degree and graduated as valedictorian.

Gerry moved to Richland to work as a secretary at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, joining her brother Bud and his wife, Joyce Kelsey. Gerry met Bill J. McMurray on a blind date at a football game and later married him on June 30, 1951 in a small backyard ceremony at Bud’s and Joyce’s home in Richland. Bill and Gerry raised three children: Steven McMurray of Richland, Nancy McMurray of Kennewick and Mark McMurray of Spokane.

Together, Bill and Gerry led Lay Witness Missions across Washington and Oregon and served in numerous capacities in their church. Bill and Gerry were married for 57 years. Bill preceded her in death in October 2008.

Gerry worked as a secretary and editor of the print shop at Richland’s Central United Protestant Church for over 15 years and was a faithful member and leader in the congregation for more than 50 years. She taught several classes and Bible studies at the church and was a fixture at the church, greeting and welcoming people as they entered the building for worship services.

Gerry was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and her strong faith was and will continue to be an inspiration to her family, friends and all who knew her. She will be remembered for her love, kindness, compassion, generosity, faith, big heart and humor. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love toward God and others.

            She was preceded in death by parents Edward and Adeline Kelsey; siblings Virginia Staley, Bud Kelsey and Gerald Kelsey, and husband Bill McMurray. She is survived by her children Steve McMurray (Cindy), Nancy McMurray (Eric VanWinkle) and Rev. Mark McMurray (Jennifer); sister-in-law Joyce Kelsey of Oklahoma; grandchildren Tyler Bell (Tamara), Corynn Zorich (Levi), Erin Newman (James), Kara McMurray, Cori McMurray (Eric Wilson), Preston Van Winkle, Jackson McMurray, Brian McMurray and Adeline McMurray; and great-grandchildren Savaya Bell, Cooper Thornhill-McMurray, Taylee Bell and a fourth to arrive next month.

Gerry’s family would like to thank the medical staff at Kadlec Medical Center for their compassion and care during Gerry’s care. The family would also like to express thanks to the staff and community at Riverton Retirement and Assisted Living Community for providing Gerry with care and a welcoming and beautiful place to call home for the last five years.

There will be a memorial service at 10 am on Saturday Aug 15^th at Central United Protestant Church at 1124 Stevens Drive, Richland Wa