Eleanor Ruth Murray

Eleanor Burger Murray was born in Glasgow, Montana on December 1, 1921. She passed away on February 6, 2011 at the age of 89. She was one of seven children born to Henry and Ella Burger. After graduating from Glasgow High School in 1933, she worked in various nursing positions in Glasgow, MT and the Menninger Institute in KS. Her avid love of nursing took her to Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane in 1944. This was during WWII and she entered the Cadet Nursing program and graduated in 1947. After taking her State Board of Nursing exam, she became an R.N. the same year. Eleanor met the love of her life, Mike Murray, in 1953 and on May 14, 1954 they married in Seattle, WA where they continued to live the remainder of their lives. Eleanor worked in various hospitals in the Seattle area, where her love of nursing and helping people never diminished.

Eleanor was a member of the Edmonds United Methodist Church, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and the Diabetes Association. After her retirement, she and her husband grew beautiful flowers. Eleanor called her garden an "Old Fashioned Flower Garden" as she planted the old familiar types of flowers she knew from growing up. Walking into their back yard was like entering an outdoors nursery filled with beautiful flowers of all kinds and colors. She shared her flowers with everyone she met or who stepped across her threshold. She was also especially proud to show everyone entering her home, the beautiful needlepoint pictures, made by Mike, her husband. Some fortunate friends and relatives were the recipients of these pictures. Many of her friends, relatives and strangers were frequently invited in for meals or conversation and many are the hours she and Mike spent enjoying and playing with their numerous nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was instrumental in writing to all her parents relatives to obtain copious amounts of information, some written in German and some documents dated 1884, with pictures, to compile "The Burger Family History" dating back to her parents birthplaces and lives, including homesteading in Montana. She was assisted by her nephew, Larry Kalland. She spent many hours and days compiling this book for future generations in the family to read and enjoy. Her dream was completed with the finished product.

Eleanor is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Mike J. Murray; her parents, Henry and Ella Burger; and siblings, Viola Atkins, Clara Kalland, Evelyn Lucht, Henry and Robert Burger.

She is survived by her sister, Freida Reddig, of Missoula, Montana; as well as numerous nieces; nephews; and extended family.

She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers contributions made be made to the Edmonds United Methodist Church.

Services for Eleanor will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds, WA.