Shirley Murray

Shirley June (Nielsen) Murray of Shelby, Iowa was born September 15, 1935, to Edwin O. Nielsen and Wilamina "Minnie" C. Bogs. She was an ornery, self-reliant farm girl who was full of wild stories.

Stories like the time Shirley's mother sent her into town for an errand and was told to take the family car. What should've been a quick trip turned south. When Shirley arrived home, her mother asked, "What took you so long?" Shirley's reply? "I had to change a tire." She was 12.

Shirley attended school in Minden, Iowa, where she met lifelong friend and co-conspirator Barbara "Barb" (Kohel) Osmera. The pair graduated from Minden High School in 1954, but not before canceling class by letting the principal's cattle loose.

The day after graduation, Shirley traded rural Iowa for the big city: Omaha. There, Shirley worked for Mutual of Omaha and eventually met Ford Murray, who was serving in the United States Air Force and stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. At first glance, Shirley wasn't so sure about Ford, but then she saw him dance. The couple married in a courthouse ceremony in Omaha on July 10, 1955.

In the years following, Shirley and Ford traveled the U.S. and its territories-Omaha, Lincoln, Guam and Washington, D.C.-raising five kids along the way: Karla, Mark, Kimberly, Kathy and Michael.

Shirley's hosting skills quickly made the Murray household a hub for entertainment. As a military spouse, Shirley got used to entertaining large groups with big appetites-feeding Ford's fellow airmen and their spouses. In later years, she became the hub for holiday family gatherings; she made hosting 30+ family members look easy.

The Murray Family eventually returned to the Midwest and made a home in Council Bluffs. Just across the river, the South Omaha Legion became a home away from home. Thursday nights at the Legion were a special tradition for Shirley and her longtime friend Barb; it wasn't a Thursday night at the Legion without the duo's laughter ringing throughout the building. They spent countless evenings there enjoying music and dancing.

When she wasn't dancing, Shirley stayed busy over the years managing various departments at metro stores including: JCPenney, Jim & Dean's, No Frills and Dollar General. When she wasn't working, Shirley was all about simple pleasures: a game of cards, a Kessler & Coke, gardening, daytime soaps, Chanel No. 5, wearing lipstick to go to the store, country music, and, of course, George Strait's Wrangler booty.

Shirley was the life of the party. The laughter. The chaos. The reason everyone came together. She completed the Murray Family in a way that can never truly be replaced. Shirley will be remembered for her devotion to family, her strength through years of military life and travel, and the love she shared with generations of family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Wilamina Nielsen, husband Ford Murray, sister Helen, brother Wilbur, daughter Kimberly Williams and grandson Joseph Williams. She is survived by her children Karla Mathis of Hudson, FL, Mark (Dolly) Murray of Council Bluffs, IA, Kathy (Kevin) Murray-Andersen of Papillion, NE, and Michael Murray of Crescent, IA; brothers Larry of Whittier, CA and Donald of Council Bluffs, IA; and 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.