Jean Larae Mcmurtrey

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Jean LaRae Merrill McMurtrey 1929-2023 (93). Jean passed away of natural causes on July 23, 2023 at her residence at Lincoln Court Retirement Community in Idaho Falls, ID. Jean moved to Lincoln Court from Alpine, WY five years ago.

Jean was born in Menan, Idaho on August 27, 1929 to Ephraim and Wanda (Harris) Merrill. She graduated from Midway High School. Jean enjoyed many activities with her friends in high school. She was head cheerleader, and president of three clubs; the Thespian club, the pep club and the Lyre (music) club. Jean graduated from seminary class for high school students of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Jean married her high school sweetheart, Marion John McMurtrey, on June 22, 1949 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They went on their honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park. They lived in southeastern Idaho until 1955 when they left the west for Marion to go to Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore, MD. While in Baltimore Jean worked for Kennecott Copper Mines to help put Marion through school. After four years of medical school they moved to Atlanta, GA (2 yr internship at Emory University), then on to Salt Lake City, UT for a 5 year residency at the University of Utah. Finally, to Houston Texas where Marion was a surgeon at M.D. Anderson Hospital until his retirement. Along this journey Jean gave birth to two sons and five daughters. In 2007 they realized their dream of retirement in Star Valley, WY. Jean loved her life in Star Valley and would have stayed on except health issues required them to move into assisted living in February, 2018.

Jean served in many church callings during her life. She developed many wonderful friendships while working in the Primary and Young Women Organizations. She was the best cheerleader for her children as they participated in sports, dance and musical activities. She continued her love for performing, including: dramatic readings, playing the piano, roadshows and choirs throughout her life. Jean did a lot of family history research. She loved to share stories of her ancestors with her children and grandchildren.

Jean had a gift for being everyone’s best friend. She enjoyed serving others and was always generous with her time and resources.

Jean is survived by three children: Alan McMurtrey (Janie) of South Jordan, UT, Wanda Hill of Houston, TX, Tom McMurtrey (Collette) of Lufkin, TX. A brother, Wade Merrill (Janet) of San Pedro, CA. Jean has 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Dr. Mac, and four of her five daughters: Christine, Michelle, Mary Jo and Jan. Her parents, and 2 sisters, Sharon Borrowman, and Ilene Campbell also preceded her in death.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W Main St, Rigby, ID 83442. Visitation will be held before the service from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Interment will be immediately after the service at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, E Menan Lorenzo Hwy, Rigby, ID 83442.