Wallace Raymond Murray went home to his Heavenly Father on April 7, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born May 5, 1932 in Durango, CO to David James and Ruby Ella (Harris) Murray. Wallace was one of three children. He was the middle child with Donald being the eldest, and Jerald being the youngest of the family.
He graduated from Montezuma County High School in 1950 and married Rose Marie Palmer in May 21, 1951. She and their daughter Rose Marie preceded him in death in 1952.
Wallace joined the US Army and was stationed in Anchorage, AK at which time he met the love of his life and best friend, Jacqualine Fay Busek at church. They married on March 4, 1955 at Fort Richardson, Alaska and later sealed at the Mesa Arizona Temple for time and all eternity.
Wallace and Jacqualine spent the next 56 years moving from Alaska, Colorado, Alaska, Idaho, Washington then settling in Montana in 1965. They had five children, Deborrah Jayne Daehn (John), Wallace Michael Murray (Theresa), Rhonda Eloise Ralston (Brian), Teresa Lynn Clark (Don) and Andrea Dee Huff (Dan). Wallace was also preceded in death by his father David, Mother Ruby, grandson Wallace Raymond, daughter Deborrah and son Wallace Michael. Wallace also had 21 grandchildren; Devon, Landon, Andrew, Danielle, Melissa, Wallace, Neysha, Elizabeth, Emily, Mariah, Dwight Michael, Steven, Larissa, Catherine Marie, Earl Christopher, Shawna, Travis, Troy, Kolton, Trinity and Garth and 20 great grandchildren.
Wally was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, waterskiing and snow skiing to name a few. Because of his love of the outdoors, he brought many cherished memories to his family as they were always included in his adventures. He was a true family man always putting his family first and he will be truly missed by all. He was an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as a Counselor in the Branch Presidency and Bishop for a period of time and also served on a mission with his wife Jacqualine in the Singapore Mission Field serving the Lord in East Malaysia.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1610 6th Ave. with a viewing starting at 12 p.m. in the Relief Society Room. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Forestvale Cemetery. A meal will be held at the church after the burial. Memorial may be sent in Wallace’s name to the Montana Alzheimer’s Association, 3010 11th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101; Boy Scouts of America, MT Counsel, 820 17th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 or to a charity of donor’s choice. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Wallace, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Marvin Jones says
I have very fond memories of Brother Murray and the time he spent with the scouts. I enjoyed the time he spent with my dad and the friendship between them. I will always cherish those memories.
Mary Ruedisili says
Sympathy to Jacquie and the family. We are in Oslo, Norway, and I was online about Wallace`s death. I know he will be missed by you all. Blessings on his memory.
robin says
He will be missed dearly! He was a nice guy! my thoughts are with the family!
Julie Lewis Shaw says
So sorry to hear about Wally. He was our home teacher and like my second dad. He filled that role for me when my own wasn’t around, and I am truly grateful. I have many great memories of him as my bishop as well and of teaching me to water-ski. My love and prayers go out to you all.
Robin Docherty-Bromlie says
am so sorry to hear of Wally”s passing he was such a happy person he was so very kind to me . i will keep you all in my prayers my heart goes out to you love your Friend Robin
Marjie Page says
So sorry to hear about Wally. Jan sent me a email. I have fond memories of our Helena years. You were such good friends. Our lives are changing and losing our best friend, partner for so many years is so difficult. I send my love.
Marjie Page
SHERRI & JOHN STAATS says
John & I have very fond memories of Walley when we attended church with him. Walley was also very kind to John’s son Richie. Walley inspired many people. He will be missed by many. Walley is now resting with Jesus.
Andrea Huff says
My Daddy was the world’s greatest Father!!!! My super hero. He will be greatly miss but never ever forgotten
Phillip and Margie Green says
Saw the notice about Wally in our Billings paper. It is fun to remember our times with you, Jacque, and your family. We send our love to all.
Rose Frank says
I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I will keep your famly in my prayers.