“She was always there.”
Edith Marie (Dryden) Murray was born Feb. 15, 1923, in Colony, to Karr and Flossie Dryden and was one of eight children. Edith left for Heaven Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Edith entered the U.S. Navy WAVES in January 1944 and served her country honorably during World War II primarily in Washington, D.C., of which Edith had many fond memories. She married Robert G. (Bob) Murray on Dec. 1, 1951, in San Francisco. Edith and Bob returned to the Kansas City area in 1953 where their children, Rick and Cheryl, were born. Edith’s husband, Bob, was transferred in a job promotion to Springfield, Mo., in early 1960 where the family spent the better part of 10 wonderful years. Edith was active with her church in Springfield, Westminster Presbyterian, and in the primary role of raising her children while being the rock that held the family together.
Edith was a fine piano player and vocalist who provided the music for many family and neighborhood singalongs at the Murray home. A job-related transfer for Bob took Edith and family back to the KC area in December 1969, where the family resided in Shawnee. On Oct. 1, 1977, Bob and Edith founded Murray Industrial Food Sales, Inc. with Edith as office manager. Edith’s son Rick joined the business in June 1978 and continues to run the business today. Rick offers heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity of not only a career but to have had the chance to work side by side with both Edith and Bob.
Edith was predeceased by her husband Bob in July 2011 and is survived by her loving daughter Cheryl, son Rick and his wife Cheryl and daughter Cara. Cara will always hold a special place in Edith’s heart. Sisters Doris Dodson, Elma Luthye and Irma Butler and brother Everett Dryden also survive.
Edith always put family first and wanted the best for them along with her many friends. She was always ready to help with her kindness and friendly personality which were always apparent to those she came in contact with.
Visitation is set for 10-11 a.m. Thursday, at Community Covenant Church. 15700 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219 with a funeral service immediately following at 11. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent in Edith’s memory to Community Covenant Church and American Cancer Society, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64105.
Online condolences may be expressed through the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee at www.amosfamily.com.
Edith Murray
