Jean Mcmurray

Jean McMurray (Georgia) Jean McMurray of Webster City, Iowa died peacefully on Friday morning, May 21, 2010, in her home at 1920 Willson Avenue. Her body was cremated and a private graveside service will be held at the family plot in Graceland Cemetery. There will be visitation with family and friends on Monday, May 24 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the First Congregational Church UCC in Webster City. Memorial services will be held at the church on Tuesday, May 25th at 10:30 am. Foster Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jean was born to Ralph R. and Ida (Osmundson) Hurd of Williams, Iowa on September 19, 1914. Jean had one sister, Maureen Hurd, now deceased. Their mother died in 1929, and in 1941 Ralph married Florence Orsborn of Hampton, Iowa. Jean graduated from Webster City High School in 1932, Webster City Junior College in 1934, and the University of Iowa in 1936. She taught high school English in Colo, Iowa from 1936 to 1938 and was a homemaker and active volunteer the rest of her life. On June 18, 1938 Jean and John McMurray, Webster City High School classmates, were married in the First Congregational Church in Webster City. In just 4 ½ weeks from now they would have completed 72 years of marriage. They spent the first 31 years in their home at 629 Ohio Street and the last 31 years living, planting, and caring for the trees at the Plantation, 1920 Willson Avenue. During this time, Jean raised five children: Ann Balderson of Rock Island, Illinois; Tom McMurray (Mary) of Iowa City; Murray McMurray (Paula Chuchvara) of Webster City; Caroline Cueno Bybee (Jerry) of Maquoketa; and Sarah Smith (Matthew) of Pena Blanca, New Mexico. These children were raised in order, but not necessarily in orderly fashion. It was a happy time, however, when the arrival of the youngest assured continued climbing to the upper row of the bleacher seats for school performances by the youngest. Jean was the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren: Jennifer Balderson Saintfort, Alan Balderson, Anya McMurray, John McMurray, Katherine CuenoToy, Nicole Cueno, Andy McMurray, Pete Cueno, Libby McMurray, Dylan Smith, Juliet Smith and four great grandchildren. In addition to school activities Jean served on the boards of Hamilton County Mental Health, Youth and Family Services, and Hamilton Hospital. She was a longtime active member of the First Congregational Church and a devoted volunteer and member of the Webster City Pride Committee, Arts Council, League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women. For those desiring to make a memorial gift, the family suggests: First Congregational Church, or Youth and Family Services of Hamilton County, or another charity of the donor's choice.