Obituary of Judith Ann Murray

Judith Ann Burnett Murray

November 23, 1942 - February 11, 2023

Judith Ann Burnett Murray (Judy), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt passed away peacefully the morning of February 11th, 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 80. Born in 1942 in the small railroad town of Rawlins, Wyoming to Reuben and Muriel Burnett, Judy proudly served as Honored Queen for Job's Daughters, Bethel #3, devoting herself to community acts of service. Her dedication to community and family continued throughout her life. 

On August 20th, 1963 Judy married the love of her life, Donald Wayne Murray (Don). Also a Rawlins native, Don joined the Army and the pair moved away from Wyoming to being their lives together. While Don served in the Vietnam War, Judy served at home, raising their three children Julie, Gary and Brian. After Don's return, and throughout his long tenure in the Army, Judy coordinated the family's moves to new stations at various bases throughout the United States and Hawaii, as well as overseas in Italy.

Once back stateside, the family spent most summers swimming, boating and exploring the natural wonders at Lake Powell with Don's sister Royalene and husband, her nieces May and Jody, and her great friends Ted and JoAnn Voris.

In their later years, after Don's retirement from the military, Don and Judy loved taking cross country road trips to visit their grandson Jeffery, and they explored Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Utah, and California (Judy was a "pro" at the License Plate game.) Always tagging along with the pair was one of their beloved small dogs, Libby, Mocha or Nikon. Oftentimes, during Colorado's beautiful summers, Don, Judy and Jeffery could be found camping in Mueller State Park, making life-long memories together - and playing countless games of Yahtzee.

Judy loved attending her crochet club at the YMCA, going to the hot springs, and watching a good soap opera. She loved any movie with Harrison Ford, and she had a rare appreciation for lemon butter chicken, ice tea, M&M candies, and chicken biscuits. 

Judy is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Julie, her soulmate, Don, and her sister-in-law, Royalene. During her final days, she often remarked that she could see them, and they were trying to talk with her, but she couldn't quite hear what they were saying.

Judy is survived by her sons Gary (Jenny) and Brian, who was her devoted caregiver for the last few years, her sister Carol, her grandchildren, Jeff, Tia, Page, and Trevor as well as seven great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held this summer for close family and friends.