Shirley Kay McMurray

Shirley Kay (Gregg) McMurray passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered for her incredibly giving heart, bright smile, positive outlook, creative spirit, fierce mother-Bear spirit, and ability to persevere. She gave so much, but expected so little in return.
She was born in 1941 in Burns, to Woodrow “Pat” and Eunice (Cronin) Gregg, joining several siblings at home. She graduated from Burns High School in 1959 and received a full scholarship to a cosmetology program in Portland. When she returned to Burns after graduating she met the love of her life, Spencer McMurray. They were married in 1961 and moved to Boise, Idaho. In 1962 they had their daughter Jeri and the family moved to the Los Angeles area. In 1964 the family welcomed another daughter, Janice. In 1968 they were excited to bring their son James “Jay” home and in 1970 their family was completed with the addition of their youngest son Jonathan “Jon”. The family moved to the Ashland area where she provided support for her husband while he attended Southern Oregon State College, earning his BS degree in Education. After graduation, they returned to their home town of Burns.
Over the years, she worked in several different occupations. She spent nearly nine years as a waitress at the Hilander Restaurant, a place from where many locals still remember her kind and gentle spirit. She drove school bus for two years where she left a lasting impact on the students. She worked at the Edward Hines Lumber Company for three years where she secured a lumber grader position. After the mill shut down she obtained the first FedEx position in the region and helped shape remote shipping services in Harney County that have blossomed over the years. She retired at age 62. Over her lifetime, she was a constant extra set of hands and skill for her partner’s painting business.
In 2016 Spencer passed away of cancer. After this devastating loss, she was able to find joy in helping others. She found comfort and solace with her coffee and breakfast group with whom she enjoyed many hours sharing their lives and experiences.She volunteered for five years as an AARP Tax volunteer Aid and donated countless hours to the local Elks Club despite not being a member. She and Spencer decorated a Christmas tree at Sage Hen Rest Area to show appreciation to truckers and others that were traveling over the holidays, a tradition she carried on after his death. She always believed the best about others and sacrificed so much for those she loved. A few of these examples are that every year at the start of the school year she would purchase several backpacks and fill them with school supplies for children in need. At the holidays she would purchase new coats (one for a girl and one for a boy) and hide a $20 bill in the pocket. These acts of love were anonymous (until now) and show the love she had for those less fortunate.
She is survived by her children and spouses: Jeri Hauth (Carl), Janice Walsh (Tom), James “Jay” McMurray (Delly), Jonathan “Jon” McMurray (Michele); her grandchildren, Katherine “Katie” Hauth, Ryan Hauth, Zachary “Zach” Hauth, Ashley McMurray, Max McMurray, Maddie McMurray and Molly McMurray; sisters, Janice Childress and Margorie Gregg and other relatives. Special thanks to her friend, Linda Gideon for caring for her precious dog Toby. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Spencer McMurray; her parents, Eunice and Pat Gregg; her siblings, Patricia Howes (Gregg), Gene Gregg and Joseph Gregg; and numerous other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25 at the Burns Community Center from 1 to 3 p.m.
In lieu of donations, please consider donating something lovely to a child or animal in need, someone experiencing homelessness or by showing a little more kindness and love in her honor.