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Mary Ann Murray, 83, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at The Inn at Olentangy Trail in Delaware, Ohio.

She was born July 3, 1941, in Flora, Illinois, to Burl and Lula (Hoover) Luttrell. She had an older sister, Glenna, with whom she remained close throughout her life. Her father owned a car repair shop and then became a gunsmith in his retirement years. Her mother was a homemaker and master craftsperson. Mary Ann graduated from the Flora Township High School in 1959 where she enjoyed playing the flute and participating in the marching band as drum major.

Mary Ann was married to Jerry Dean Murray for 31 years. Together, they raised three children: Randal, Leah, and Thomas. From 1959 to 1988, Mary Ann and Jerry lived and worked on the family farm in Centralia, Illinois. During this time, she also pursued a career as a dental assistant and helped run the family school bus business. After their divorce, she relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to be closer to her eldest son, Randal, and his family. In Columbus, she discovered her calling as a receptionist at Eastglen Pediatrics, where she dedicated over three decades of her life. Her warm and compassionate nature touched the lives of both her colleagues and the families she served.

A devout member of the Community of Christ Church, Mary Ann shared her musical talents by playing the piano during services and cherished attending the annual Brush Creek Reunions with her children and grandchildren. Her faith and unwavering commitment to her church community were the cornerstones of her life.

In 2016, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, Mary Ann transitioned to assisted living. Despite this unexpected new phase of her life, she continued to bring joy to those around her by welcoming new residents and actively participating in the resident community. She loved to offer advice and meal recommendations to the facility’s chef!

In addition to family and church, Mary Ann’s hobbies and interests included cooking, baking, gardening, and reading. She also enjoyed square dancing for several years. Mary Ann will be remembered for her remarkable resilience, unwavering kindness, and unshakable dedication to her family and faith. May her memory provide solace and comfort to all who knew her.

Mary Ann is survived by her 3 children and their spouses – Randal and Diane Murray, Leah and Jay Higginson, and Thomas and Karen Murray; six grandchildren – Sara Gallion (spouse Matthew), Kathleen Felder (spouse Marion), Jon Patrick Higginson (partner Samantha), Jennifer Murray, Jared Murray, and Isaac Murray; and two great-grandchildren – Hayden Gallion and Beatrice Felder; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, June 15, at 1:30 the Brush Creek Campgrounds Cemetery near Xenia, Illinois. Her ashes will be buried next to her sister Glenna McKnelly.