Betty McMurry

Elizabeth Ann Marshall McMurry, (Betty), passed away at home Tuesday morning, December15, 2020.Betty was born in Laramie, Wyoming on May 25, 1931, to John T. and Mamie Marshall.

She grew up in Wyoming with three younger brothers-Jimmy, Bobby and Billy-and went on to graduate from St, Martin’s Academy, a Catholic school in Sturgis, South Dakota. After high school, she was granted an emergency teaching certificate due to WWII, and taught for a year at the Beer Mug Ranch near Troublesome Creek, at the foot of the Freeze-Outs, near Difficulty, Wyoming.

Afterwards, while attending the University of Wyoming, she met and married Donald Russell McMurry. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as an officer, and together, they proceeded to enjoy the world. During the next 8 years Betty had 6 kids in different locales—Germany, Turkey, California, and Georgia—and also2 girls born in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Betty was very active in her husband’s career, learning Turkish while stationed there and earning awards from the Officer’s Wives Club.

It was in Florida that Betty started her 2nd career as a drug and alcohol counselor, but she always kept Wyoming close to her heart—eventually working for the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, as a psychiatric social worker. After retirement, she moved back to Casper and bought her home in Bar Nunn.

Betty was an accomplished seamstress and made most of her children’s clothes when they were younger. She was also a great cook who once went to the trouble of wrapping and serving her kid’s burgers and fries in paper because, living overseas, they missed McDonald’s.

She especially enjoyed playing bridge with her friends at the senior center, here in Casper. There was not much that Betty couldn’t do. She was the rock of our family, affectionately known as “The Big Mother”—a moniker of respect and humor that she embraced.

Betty was a very caring person and would do whatever she could to help her friends and family. She left the world a better place; she will be deeply missed.

Betty was preceded in death by her former husband, Lt .Col. Donald McMurry, her son John, her daughter Kathy Harrison, her parents, Mamie and John Marshall, and her brothers, Jimmy, Bobby and Billy Marshall.

She is survived by her daughters, Pat,  Lisa, Terri McMurry and Chris McMurry Kardassakis, (Dean), her grandchildren Crystal Chamburs Garcia, (Benjamin), Austin Chamburs, (Amber), and Mark Miragliotta, her great grandchildren, Gabby, Gavin, Cherish and Gauge, Brandalynn, Acelin, Tristan, and Journey, her sons-in-law, Michael Harrison and Dean Kardassakis, nieces, Susan Samuelson, (Doug) and Tierney Loberg and nephews Patric, (Bonnie) and Victor McMurry.

Private family graveside services will be held at Highland Cemetery. Due to COVID, a memorial service is pending until it is safe to travel and gather. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain Alliance in Casper, Wyoming. Messages for the family may be left at Bustards Funeral Home.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home , 600 CY Ave. Casper, WY 82601.