Helen McMurray

How do you measure the quality of a life?

Helen Clark McMurray measured the quality of her life by the amount of love, beauty, and support surrounding her, which started the day she was born on January 15, 1921 in Oakley, Idaho; the second of seven children to loving parents, Charles Symons Clark and Tessa Romney, who taught, loved and supported her throughout their lives. Her mother, especially, taught her a love for the beauties of the earth.

As she took her last, peaceful breath on April 28, 2017, at the golden age of 96, Helen felt the beauty and support that was there in her room, being surrounded by loved ones saying their goodbyes and sending her their unconditional love.

Helen’s first marriage to Melvin J Ashby on July 14, 1939, was tragically cut short after only 2 ½ years when he passed away from a heart condition, but it gifted Helen with her first beautiful daughter, Tamara. Then Wendell H. McMurray, a brother of a longtime friend, stepped into Helen’s life and lovingly became her devoted husband on May 7th, 1944. He later became the father to four more incredibly strong-willed, beautiful daughters.

Helen’s marriage to Wendell, lasting 66 years until his death, was filled with world travel, endless rounds of golf, dining in the finest restaurants and Christmas shopping together, looking for that special “themed” gift for all the girls. His love and support for her and their daughters was unmeasured.

Helen was blessed with a beautiful home in Burley, Idaho, filled with meaningful, quality art, some of which was created by her mother, Tessa, as well as by her own creative hand. She loved to garden, and her yard was surrounded with many plants, flowers and bird feeders continually attracting beautiful, colorful birds that brought her so much joy!

Her love for beauty also extended to a long and fulfilling career as a fashion consultant with LaVoy’s, where she could work from home and assist hundreds of women to feel more empowered and beautiful.

The beauty of music also filled Helen’s heart, beginning as the church organist at 12 years of age, playing the trombone in the Oakley High School band, to then singing in various choirs for many years, one of her favorites being the Sweet Adelines. Helen continued to sing until her final weeks, with one of her favorites being “God Bless America!”

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Helen also found great satisfaction and fulfillment in her many church callings and felt the love and support of her Savior throughout her life. And she loved Him! Helen also found joy in giving service to the Burley community as a volunteer for many years at the hospital, bringing love and support to many there.

Helen was also blessed with many good, loyal friends. One in particular, Deanna Davis, was instrumental in giving Helen the wonderful experience of working with her in her natural healing clinic. Helen’s family is forever grateful to Deanna for the loving care and companionship she offered for so many years! Helen’s faithful and beloved dog, Bandy, was also a gift from Deanna and brought her much joy for over 15 years.

Although Helen’s last four years of life had taken much from her, she still looked for the beauty and the good around her and gave love and support to others when she could. She knew her life had been a beautiful experience - rich with love, good health, joyful service, devoted family, and deep, abiding friendships. Her beautiful countenance and everlasting grace are her legacy and gift to everyone who knew her.

This is the measure of a beautiful life and one that her Heavenly Father has smiled upon.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Symons and Tessa Romney Clark; husbands, Melvin J Ashby and Wendell H. McMurray; brothers, Verl and Dallan; sisters, DonaFaye Wheeler and Joan Day; and son-in-law, George Granata. She is survived by her brother, Jon Clark; sister, Carol Searle; and five daughters, Tamara Evans (Richard), Wendy Granata (husband, Reggie Nozawa), Ilene Kushma (John), Cathi McMurray (husband, Richard Hughes), and Cynthia Wand (Steven); 20 grandchildren; and 59 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her very much.

We wish to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the kind, patient and devoted staff at Sandy Health & Rehab where Helen lived for the past four years, and the many earthly angels who provided so much comfort and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The General Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 5th, 2017 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 So.), Sandy, Utah. Viewing at 6:00 pm with the service following at 7:00 pm. There will also be a viewing/visitation in Burley, Idaho, Monday, May 8th, 2017 at the LDS Church, 2200 Oakley Ave., from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Interment in Pleasant View Cemetery, Burley.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley, Idaho (208) 678-2100.