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İRoberts Reed Culver Funeral Home Submitted by Jan Grooms
In the summer of 1923, a beautiful baby girl was born to loving parents John and Frances McElroy. Anxiously waiting her arrival was a brother, J.B. From the moment they all met a strong bond was formed. They lived together in Sloan Canyon, New Mexico until her father died one and a half years later. With the help of her grandparents and Uncle Tom, the little family survived.
In 1934, "being the worst of times" the little family made a move to the Colorado mountains. It was there, at a party, given in honor of her 16th birthday, she met Doyle Murray. She and Doyle were married March 6, 1943.
Nell loved the written word both as a reader and writer. In one of her many stories she wrote, "Having lived through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl days of the 30s, World War II, and the wars since, as well as, four kids, nine grandkids, and 21 great-grandkids, I believe we are survivors." For many years, Nell worked with Doyle on the family dairy farms located in Colorado and later in Arkansas. In 1956, she and Doyle sold the dairy farm and moved to her current home east of Westville. Nell started working at Ozarks Electric in 1960. On her first day of work, her car failed to start so she drove the old John Deere tractor. At her retirement, 28 years later, it was only fitting that she arrived at work driving that same old tractor.
She loved her family with great intensity, treating each one special from the oldest child to the youngest great-grandchild. There was also a special bond between her and all of her nieces and nephews.
Nell served on the Westville library board, was a member of the Country Acres Home Extension Club and formed a close relationship with Friends of the Library. She was especially fond of her Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church in Westville where she was a member for over 60 years. As her eyesight began to fail, fearing she was a burden to others, she chose to remain at home. She treasured the cards and phone calls from everyone.
She was a positive example to all who knew her, family and friends alike. Heaven gained a special person December 29, 2018.
Nell is survived by her brother, J.B., of the home; three daughters, Jo Tillery of Fort Smith, Ark.; Marian Williams and husband Bobby;Marjorie Snyder and husband Dale and one son, Eddy Murray all of Westville. Nine grandchildren, Jacke Fairchild and husband Sam of Muskogee, Rhonda Luellen and husband Scott of Keifer, Bart Snyder and wife Lori, Todd Snyder and wife Shawna, Murray Williams, Richard Murray and wife Stephanie, Amanda Murray, Ashley Clinton and husband Gary, and Maegan Murray all of Westville and 26 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 4, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Westville, with Bro. Jim Beavers officiating.
Interment followed at Baptist Mission Cemetery, Westville, under the direction of Roberts & Hart Funeral Home.
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