Marie G. Murray, 91, of Mellette, died December 25, 2009 at Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Church in Mellette. Father Christopher Hughes will celebrate the mass. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Mellette. Visitation will be Tuesday from1-5:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. Visitation will continue from 6:00 p.m., with a rosary and scriptural wake service at 7:00 p.m., at the church in Mellette. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Marie was born October 24, 1918 in Ashton, SD to Gabriel and Rosalie (Waldenburger) Francoli. After graduation from Ashton High School in 1936, she worked for a year in Redfield. Marie married John Murray, May 31, 1938 at All Saints Catholic Church. Marie and John moved to Mellette in 1954 after John was transferred by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Marie was voted "Mother Of the Year" in 2001.

Marie was a member of All Saints Church for 91 years, where she was a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and greeter for many years. A member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years, charter member of Northwest Senior Citizens, Royal Neighbors of America for over 65 years, Spink County Historical Society, Mellette School Board, Mellette City Council for 25 years and also served many years on election boards for school, county and national elections.

Marie enjoyed crocheting, working on Genealogy and traveling in all fifty states, Canada and Mexico and six trips overseas. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children: John Patrick (Lainey) Murray of Morristown, TN; Rose (Duane) Hoellein of Northville; Rita (Dennis) Haven of Brentford; Paula (Larry) Forbes of Sarasota, FL and Peggy (Dan) Jaragoske of Mellette. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Melissa (Brad) Schwab, Molly (James) Wheeler, Jarrod (Tamra) Haven, Jeremy (Laura) Haven, Jill (Andrew) Williamson, Joe (Liz)Jaragoske, Jaime Jaragoske, Robert Forbes and Toni (Jeff) Detweiler, her granddaughter-in-law Tina Hoellein and fourteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1989, three brothers: Henry, Edward and Gilbert, two sisters: Eva and Gena, four grandsons, one great granddaughter and one step grandson.

She will be missed by those who knew and loved her and her memory will live on. Marie was a loving wife, caring mother and grandmother and enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our Mom left her family the most blessed gift of all, "Memories."