Charlotte Murray

Josephine Charlotte Murray, 90, Mankato, Kansas, entered into her heavenly home September 10, 2009. She died at her home in Mankato following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born December 3, 1918, at Jewell, Kansas, the second child born to John Charles Fullerton and Celinda Jeannette (Elyea) Fullerton.

Charlotte attended country schools, graduating from Montrose High School. On September 4, 1937, Charlotte was united in marriage to Aaron James Murray at Mankato, Kansas.

Charlotte enjoyed living the farm life of raising her family, gardening, and actively participating in various community and church clubs while living on the family farm one-half mile south of Montrose. In 1969, they built their home in Mankato, where she continued this lifestyle.

She was a member of Montrose Modern Homemakers, Montrose Methodist Church, active member of the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, and a member of Rebecca Circle. Charlotte was a cook for Montrose and Mankato Schools. She later worked in the meat department at Kiers Thriftway from which she retired.

Charlotte was preceded in death by: parents; husband, Aaron, March 7, 2000; two brothers, Charles Richard Fullerton and Hardman Phillip Fullerton; and sister, Barbara Jean Fullerton.

Survivors are: two sons, Carl Dennis and wife, Anne Murray, Mankato, Kansas, and Dwight Russell Murray, Mankato, Kansas; two daughters, JoAnne and husband, Dale Freeman, Mankato, Kansas, and Susan and husband, Don Hoffman, Topeka, Kansas; eight grandchildren: Brian and wife, Angela Murray, Shannon and husband Lee Lindsey, Erin Murray, Michael and wife, Kathy Freeman, Corey Freeman, Adam and wife Jessica Freeman, Brett and wife, Kelly Munsey, and Ryan Munsey; two step-grandchildren, Holly Dachel, and Heidi Dachel; nine great-grandchildren, Brent Murray, Carlee Lindsey, Hannah Lindsey, Cameron Lindsey, Jessica Jolene Freeman, Devon Freeman, Zachary Freeman, and Hallie Munsey; four step-great-grandchildren: Codi Carlson, Samantha Wunderle, Robert Wunderle, and Jason Lindsey; three sisters, Helen Huffman, Belleville, Kansas, IvaLea Metz, Bothell, Washington, and Audrey Jacobson, Santa Maria, California; many nieces; nephews; sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; other relatives; and many friends.

A celebration of life service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2009, at Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Tessa Zehring, officiating. Burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Casket bearers were: Brian Murray, Shannon Lindsey, Erin Murray, Michael Freeman, Corey Freeman, Adam Freeman, Brett Munsey, and Ryan Munsey. Music was “In the Garden” and “Old Rugged Cross” sung by Lori Menhusen. Rosalie Menhusen was pianist. The family suggests memorial contributions to United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation was held Saturday and Sunday at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.