Esther Ihlene Murray

Mrs. Esther (Knox) Murray of Dayton, Iowa, died peacefully at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa on May 18, 2019 at the age of 94.

Esther is survived by her 8 children, four daughters, Karolyn Priebe of Prairie Du Chien, WI, Sylvia (Darrell) Pigman of Lehigh, IA, Susan (Keith) Thompson of Mesa, AZ, and Stephanie (Rod) Jones of Dayton, IA; four sons, Marty Murray, William (Tracy) Murray, Harold Murray all of Dayton, IA, and Andrew Murray of Lehigh, IA; 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; three sisters, June Nemechek of Dayton, IA,, Gladys Bell of Iowa Falls, IA, and Audrey (Elzy) Johnson of Woolstock, IA; and her sister-in-law, Ruth Knox.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, William Murray; still-born daughter, Trudy; Murray; parents, Charles and Hattie Knox; four brothers, John, Harry, Charles and Donald Knox; and three sisters, Sarah Fleming, Ruth Blair and Lela Haglund.

Esther was born February 5, 1925 in Jewell, IA to Charles and Hattie (Hildahl) Knox. She attended country school in Hamilton and Hardin County. She married William Murray July 8, 1952. The couple welcomed seven children into their home and Esther set about teaching them to be hardworking, honest, and respectful. Her children remember her as a patient mother “always there” who disciplined and encouraged them.

Esther was an avid genealogist and loved to share information with all who shared interest. She was a generous individual who loved family gatherings, taking pictures, reading, and puzzles.

A memorial will be held at the United Methodist Church in Dayton, IA on June 1, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Kay. Christie will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Esther’s life.

A private family burial will take place at West Lawn Cemetery, Lehigh, IA.

For online obituary and condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank Grandview Health Care Center and Paula J. Baber Hospice Home for her excellent care.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.