Eileen Murray

Eileen Rose Eulberg Murray, 90, of Great Falls, Montana died of natural causes on May 26, 2014 at the Renaissance Assisted Living Home, where she lived for the last 6 years of her life.A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Eileen was born on December 4, 1923 in Great Falls, Montana to Edward and Mabel (Reichelt) Eulberg. She was raised on the family ranch in Belt, Montana with sisters, Bernice Busch and Audrey Haugen where she attended Belt schools and graduated as salutatorian in 1942 from Belt Valley High School. She continued her education in Great Falls at the Columbus School of Nursing, graduating in 1945 as a registered nurse. She taught at the Columbus School of Nursing for the next 3 years, followed by a nursing career that spanned the next 30 years in a variety of nursing settings.She met the most handsome man, Claude W. Bill Murray, from Raynesford, Montana at an auction in 1943. It was love at first sight and they were married on June 3, 1946 in Belt, Montana. They were blessed with 5 children, Janet, William Billy, Kathleen, Mary Ann and Patricia Patty. She was committed to her Catholic faith and education and very proud that her five children attended Great Falls parochial schools. She encouraged her children to be independent and had pride that all 5 of her children received college degrees and that all 8 of her grandchildren also received college degrees.She was a dedicated, hard working, and loving wife, mom, and grandmother. She was always up for fun activities and games of any kind. She was passionate about playing cards, specifically pinochle and bridge. Eileen was an avid golfer, as well as an accomplished seamstress. Many summer weekends were spent with the family enjoying water activities at Seeley Lake. She thoroughly enjoyed attending and supporting her children and grandchildrens activities.Eileen was involved in a variety of activities outside of the family. She was a member of the Ursuline Academy and Central High School Mothers Club. Other club memberships included Pinochle, Bridge, Sewing, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Elks, and Reunion Chair for Columbus School of Nursing.From 1984 to 2004, Bill and Eileen wintered in Mesa, Arizona and summered back in Great Falls, Montana. Some of their fondest memories were of times spent with family and friends in Arizona.She is survived by her children, Janet (Bruce) Keaster of Belt, Billy (Marilyn) Murray, Kathleen (Jim Burkholder) Zarndt, Mary Ann Murray, and Patty (Randy) Wood all of Helena; grandchildren Melissa Zarndt (Andrew) Moore, Christina Zarndt, Rachel Keaster, Laura Keaster (Drew) Koffler, Julie Murray (Sean) Lake, Jamie Wood (Matt) McCullough, Dustin Wood and Cory Wood; great-grandchildren Caden, Ella and Eva McCullough, and Candler and Seamus Moore; sister Audrey; and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill in 2008; parents Edward and Mable Eulberg; step-mother Margaret Eulberg; and sister Bernice Busch.Mom was full of life and energy and will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.The family wants to extend a thank you to the staff of the Renaissance Assisted Living Home for the wonderful care that was given to our mother during the last years of her life.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Ursuline Centre, 2300 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59401 or a charity of the donors choice.