Viola McMurray

Born on June 10, 1930 in Wallaceton, she was the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy (Quick) Kifer.

She was a graduate of Hammond High School, Hammond, Indiana, Class of 1948.

On March 21, 1953 she wed Joseph W. McMurray in the West Side United Methodist Church, Clearfield. Together they raised their four daughters.

Viola was a homemaker. Her home and loving arms were always open to anyone and everyone. She was an amazing cook and loved baking and cooking holiday meals; her banana bread was second to none. Many times you could find her being a taxi driver for her girls and later grandchildren to numerous events such as music, dance, swimming, gymnastics, cheerleading, sports, band, and play practice; she volunteered her time as much as she could. Vi was the most unselfish person with the biggest heart and went above and beyond to do for others. She was always there, always helping, always trying to make someone happy. She loved her family beyond measure. Vi was a classy woman with a quick wit and sense of humor and never stopped making her family laugh. She lit up the room with her beautiful blue eyes and her loving smile, even in her final days.

In her younger years, Vi was a champion couples roller skater. Later on, she belonged to the Clearfield Women’s Bowling League where she was an excellent bowler. She was a member of the NON Club, Pinochle Club, and served as a Brownie Troop Leader. For 10 years, Vi enjoyed running the Swim Team booth at the Clearfield County Fair, where she was nicknamed “Sarge in Charge”. Vi learned to golf in her later years and became a member of the Clearfield Curwensville Country Club. She loved attending Penn State football games and tailgating with her friends. Vi was a loyal fan of the Steelers, Pirates, and Tiger Woods, and cherished watching and debating with her grandson Cory. Another fond pastime of hers was traveling in the U.S. and abroad with her dear friend Ernie. Vi was a long-time member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Viola is survived by her four daughters, Vickie McMurray, Clearfield, Terri Bumbarger (Gerald), Altoona, PA, Cindy McMurray, Smithmill, Wendy Cline (Scott), Clearfield; ten grandchildren, Niki Obenour (fiance, Tom McGuire), JoeD Clark, Cory Clark (Nikki), Mickey Bumbarger (Lindsey), Josie Cartwright, Jesse Bumbarger, Garrett Arrieta, Jazmin Arrieta, Noah Cline, and Brooke Cline; 12 great-grandchildren, Johnny Obenour, Jaden Clark, Kylie Clark, Natalia Clark, Hannah Clark, Gracie Clark, Natalie Bumbarger, Hank Bumbarger, Cash Bumbarger, Beau Bumbarger, Lydia Cartwright, and Sadie Cartwright.

She is also survived by her aunt, Carol Berry, Port St. Lucie, FL; sister-in-law, Dolores Kifer, Curwensville; numerous nieces and nephews; and her granddaughter-in-law Diane Souza Clark. Also, our extended family in the staff of Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center who loved Vi and cared for her so tenderly for the past six years.

In addition to her parents, Viola is preceded in death by her brother, Russell ‘Pete’ Kifer; an infant son, grandson, Jason Clark; great-granddaughter, Taylor Clark; nephew, Mike Kifer; and long-time companion, Ernest ‘Ernie’ Lingle.

Friends will be received at The Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, Inc., 312 E. Locust St., Clearfield, PA on Tuesday, October 25 from 10-1 PM, at which time her funeral service will begin in the funeral home. Dr. Duane White will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Historic Crown Crest Cemetery, Clearfield, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Viola’s name to the Clearfield Alliance Christian School, 56 Alliance Road, Clearfield, PA 16830

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettandhouser.com for the McMurray family.