<< Go Back To Obituaries

Sally Matthews McMurray

Nov. 12, 1939 - Aug. 1, 2020

Date of Service: Aug. 10, 2020

Watch the Webcast

OAKLEY – Sally Matthews McMurray, an 80-year-old resident of Oakley, passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at her home.

Sally was born November 12, 1939, in Oakley, Idaho, the first of seven children born to Ennis Bates Matthews and Mabel Sutton Matthews. She married her sweetheart, Norman Eugene McMurray, June 30, 1956, and they yearned for the sunshine and beaches, so off they went to Southern California where they lived for 40 years. There they raised two daughters, Leesa and Heather, and over the years their family multiplied with nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Sally learned about hard work at an early age through milking the cows and being a farm girl, but this was not the life for her. Sally had a thirst for education and knowledge and put her efforts there, working her way up the ranks to Business Office Manager for large hospital corporations in California and Utah. Soon Oakley beckoned to them, so Sally and Norm purchased the W. R. Lee home in the 1990s and it affectionately became known as “The Rock House.” Sally had an eye for decorating and remodeling and she created a beautiful, safe haven for her and Norm and their family. The Rock House was the place to be, where there was always an abundance of love, laughter, and parties, and where marvelous memories were made.

Sally served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where music and working with the youth were among her favorites. She and Norm were sealed with their family in the Los Angeles California Temple on June 16, 1989. Sally enjoyed many hobbies such as handiwork, reading and puzzles, and she had a great love for music. But her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren, and her biggest delight was when they came to visit.

Sally is survived by her children, Leesa Heredia (David), and Heather Clark (Ron); nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Deanne Manning, Mary Behunin (Darrel), Tina Searle (Brent), Mabel Queen (Marshall), and Scott Matthews; and brother-in-law, Doug Hall (Kathy); as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; a sister, Karen Hall; and a brother-in-law, Robert Manning.

The world will not be quite the same without Sally’s smile, laughter, and inviting warmth, but we know she is happy to be reunited with her sweetheart, Norman.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Oakley Stake Center, 355 N. Center Ave., in Oakley, with Bishop Ryan Hawker officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakley Cemetery.

Due to the mandated 99-person-or-less attendance policy at a Church service, the funeral service at the Church is intended to be for family members only, while the many dear friends are invited to view the service via a live webcast.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/iOiSawFQenw.

A live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/Y9KeDmRfDlg.

Those attending the services at the Church or at the funeral home will be asked to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. If one feels uncomfortable in wearing a mask, simply remember Sally in your thoughts and our family in your prayers and enjoy the comfort of being in your own home where you can participate via the live webcast of the service.

Condolences for Sally Matthews McMurray

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Gregory S Sipple:

What do say about a Legend...that may not have already been said I want express my deepest sympathy to Leesa and Heather and ALL those beautiful Sally grandkids. Tears flowed today I seen them so grown up honoring their Grandma. You All look soo Maahvelous! I was so blessed to have Sally in my life for a Season. Nearly 19 years! We shared so many times together in laughter and love...and yes heartache. I will forever cherish a personal call I had with her 10 years ago. I loved her deeply. I am thankful God blessed my life with her Soul. Give Karen a huge hug for me! Love you Sally and Norm~ Greg.

From Riley Larsen:

Sally was indeed a pistol. She always knew how to connect and be real. Love her to the ness. Always will.

From DEBORAH CROWDER:

So happy to have met Sally and her sweet husband in Indiana when her daughter, Heather, lived here. Such a beautiful person, she will be truly missed!

From Julie Richardson:

Sally, my friend, I will miss you. Each time I saw you it was a reunion and we had to catch up. I am glad you get to be with Norm. Give him extra hugs. I know your family’s hearts are sad. But, they can be assured that you are happy and maybe you will need to give them a hug once in awhile as you watch over them. I will miss your sweet smile and the friendship you so kindly shared with me.

From Anne Martin:

I am so sorry for your loss! My friend Sally was a little stick of dynamite! She cut right to the chase and had uncommon common sense and huge empathy for all -along with huge expectations God grant you peace knowing she is well and watching over her loved ones, always

From Nicki Mickelsen:

Oh how much I will miss my sweet friend Sally! She was a kindred spirit and I love all the ways she made everyone she met feel truly special. Her sweet twinkling smile and her amazingly cool jewelry and accessories were always my favorites things about her. Love you Sally!!!

From Heidi Robbins :

So sorry for your loss.u r laughing with norm and your sweet sister karen.my prayers r with all

From Georgia Dimick:

I will miss Sally and her sweet smile, but there are great reunions going on right now.
Bless your heart Norm!!
I know family and friends are rejoicing.
I am thinking and praying for family and friends here.
Remember
We will all rejoice together
Love you all

From Wendy Clark:

I am so glad I got to know your mother. She truly was a vivacious soul and she was so warm and loving. I know how heartbreaking this is. My prayer is that your sweet memories with her will comfort you. We love you.

From Dot Dunn:

Dear Heather, a beautiful tribute to your Mother. Blessings to you and your family.

From Garret aguilar:

My grandma is one of the best people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She instilled in me so many lessons that I will keep always. I love her always and in my heart she will always be 27.

From Mrs. Meier:

Beauty lies in the life that one has lived but a greater beauty is the hope we have in God’s promises. So with hearts filled with sadness may we remember Sally as that smiling light, that glimmer of encouragement, that shining example of caring that touched the lives of so many and was much appreciated by all. Sally will long be remembered, not only by family and friends but also by God who extends His wonderful promises to all. John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11, 29 My prayers are with the family.

From Diane Bell:

I am so so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful, kind, caring lady she was. I’m going to miss that infectious laugh and positive out look she had. Your family was truly blessed to have Sally in your family. I personally will miss her and I strive to be a fine Lady like her. God bless you all at this time, and may you all be blessed to remember her beautiful soul.

From Judy Fuller:

Dear girls and Families. So sorry to hear about Sally. She was such a great cousin and lady. Always enjoyed when we could visit and think about the loved ones of old. The happiness that was generated by her passing and the huge reunion makes one happy and not sad. And to know one day we will all be reunited with her and all the other loved ones. My heart is with you and also prayers for you as you face this sorrow in your lives. She is happy...Love Judy Talbot Fuller

From Renee Wells:

I am so saddened to hear that Sally has left us for a far better place, back with so many family members she loves. Sally made me feel like I was so important to fer, as I am certain she did with everyone. I will miss her. May God bless each of you sisters -Deanne, Mary, Tina, Mabel-with peace and sweet loving memories!!!!

Condolence Form

Leave a Condolence or Memory:

Your Name:

Email (optional):

A real person knows the answer: 8 plus 6 =

*Note: Comments submitted after business hours will be reviewed and posted the following business day by funeral home staff.