Keitha Murray

Keitha Nelson Murray, age 78, died Dec. 28, 2014 in Vernal, Utah following lengthy and challenging health issues. She was born in Maeser, Utah, Aug. 19, 1936, beloved daughter of Isaac and Flora (Caldwell) Nelson, joining her older sister Coralie. She spent her childhood years in the Vernal area and attended Central, Bonanza and Maeser Elementary schools, and Uintah High School. Keitha married Boyd Murray Dec. 26, 1952 in Vernal. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary before Boyd's passing Jan. 3, 2003. They endeared themselves to many wherever they lived and visited. She has greatly missed her dear companion these past 12 years! Keitha and Boyd had 3 children born in Casper, Wyoming: Michial, Dianna, and Rick. In 1959 they moved to Blackfoot, Idaho where they raised their family. While in Blackfoot, Keitha was employed by Idaho Power and Idaho First National Bank. She also kept the books for the service stations Boyd operated. She moved back to Maeser in 2003. She enjoyed keeping a garden and took great pride in her roses. Keitha was an active and devoted, life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Boyd were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple April 28, 1994, and served a two-year stake mission together in Idaho. She was also a dedicated ward Relief Society Secretary and served in other church capacities. She loved to attend the temple, and to read - especially LDS books - and appreciated watching LDS General Conference on TV. Keitha was happiest when spending time with family; her children and grandchildren being especially important and dear to her - as well as her siblings and in-laws. She also maintained close contact with cousins and dear friends. Her home was always a welcome place for others. When in Blackfoot it was always a pleasant and warm stop-over for siblings, and nephews and nieces traveling between Utah and Alberta! She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, twin great granddaughters Rylee and Karma Murray, grandson-in-law Dave Mecham, and sister Coralie Timothy. She is survived by sons Michial Murray of Maeser, UT, Richard Murray of West Valley City, UT and daughter Dianna (Carl) Parrack of Maeser, UT, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren; brothers Glade I. Nelson of North Salt Lake, UT, and Robert B. (Sandy) Scott of Vernal, UT; sisters Karen (Brent) Davis of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and Linda (Thomas) Wilson of Tridell, UT. She also leaves a host of Nelson and Caldwell cousins, as well as Murray relatives. There are also other close friends and neighbors who will miss her. The family expresses deepest appreciation for the good care Keitha received by the staff at the Uintah Care Center. Special thanks go to JoJo Rosal, RN for his compassion and sensitivity, and to Keitha's roommate and good friend Juanita Ellsworth. Funeral services will Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 the Maeser LDS Stake Center, 2575 West 1000 North. Family and friends may call at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the chapel. Burial will follow in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery. Services are entrusted to the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com