Donna D. Murry

Donna D. Murry, 86, Bismarck, died April 18, 2014, at her home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck with Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. The family will greet visitors on Monday from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Donna Deane Kleve Murry was born to Elick and Dorothy Ployhar Kleve in Bismarck Hospital on May 28, 1927. She grew up in McClusky and graduated from McClusky High School at the age of 16. She then moved to Bismarck and attended Bismarck Junior College. Donna received her bachelor's degree from UND and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Donna taught at the State Industrial School now YCC after graduating. On June 20, 1948, Donna married C. Emerson Murry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck. They had six children. A mother and grandmother extraordinaire, she devoted endless hours of dedication to shape the Christian values of love and family. Donna cherished the time spent with her family, her bridge club, her church circle and her Thursday morning coffee group. She was an active member of PEO. Donna was passionate about many activities including reading, all card games, Sudoku, crosswords, rosemaling, knitting, cooking, stained glass, flower gardening, antiques and furniture refinishing. She was an avid traveler, visiting dozens of countries in five continents with her husband. Donna organized the logistics of many family horseshows, camping, skiing, hunting, and boating trips. Her grandchildren remember the many activities she planned, especially weekly dinners and Pecan Sandies before church school. She was an accomplished hostess, who regularly welcomed family, friends and professional colleagues to her well-stocked table. She was classically fashionable with a modern flare. Donna relished bonfires as well as setting fires under her children and grandchildren. She was no fan of idleness and did not suffer fools gladly. She is renowned for her sour cream chocolate cake, great talent for storytelling, and acerbic wit. Donna is survived by her children: Barbara Murry, Bismarck, Karla Curtis Stanley, Bismarck, Susan Gerenz, Bismarck, Chuck Rene Murry, Seattle, Bruce Lisa Murry, Bismarck; 13 grandchildren: Angela Bushaw, Tom Nikki Bushaw, Mimi Stanley, Ross Stanley, Nick Gerenz, Kaylyn Gerenz, Rebecca Gerenz, Matthew Gerenz, Marit Murry, Jessie Murry, Kathryn Alexander, Erika Murry, and Perrin Murry; and one great-grandchild, Leif Emerson Bushaw. Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Emerson; her infant son, Robert; her parents, Elick and Dorothy Kleve; and her brother, Robert Kleve. If you prefer, please consider a memorial to Trinity Lutheran Church General Fund in lieu of flowers.

Donna D. Murry

May 28, 1927 - April 18, 2014