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Murray, Edna "Edie" Mae Kelley
peacefully passed away on Feb 3, 2013 in Phoenix AZ. Born Feb 13, 1929 to Cecil & Pauline Kelley in Pawnee, OK. She married Merle Laybank of Fairfax, OK and moved to Wichita, KS and had 2 sons Ronald and Russell. Her business career began at Boeing Aircraft as a secretary. After Merle's sudden death, she met and married Alvin "Pete" Funk whose job at AT&T took the family to Phoenix, AZ where her daughter Vicki was born. In the early 1960's she began selling Avon products door to door. She was quickly recognized as a top sales leader where she instantly became an upper level District Manager. After 30+ years of outstanding achievements and distinguished service, she retired from Avon in 1994. For the next 20 years she raised Shar-pei dogs, showing, breeding and selling them world- wide. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Ellis of Chandler, AZ, sister Mary Joe Jelinek of Pawnee, OK, brothers Cecil Kelley of Strawberry, AZ, Jim Kelley of Pawnee, OK and Jack Kelley of Tulsa, OK. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed. Private services will be held by the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vicki Ellis
March 5, 2013
Edie was such a loving , giving person. When we moved back to Arizona she welcomed all 6 of us into her home. That's right - 6 the two of us, two small kids and Jane's mother and sister. We were there until we could find somewhere else to stay. Her love of her four-footed friends, big and small, was an extension of the love she had for people. She will be greatly missed.
Cecil (brother) & Jane
February 23, 2013
Vicki
February 22, 2013
February 22, 2013
Dearest Edie,
Being with Christ will be the greatest joy of heaven, the next greatest joy will be when we're all reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us. Edie thank you for everything and listening.
God so loved the world
That He gave His only begotten Son,
That whoso believeth in Him
Should not Perish,
But have everlasting life!
Much love,
Dave
February 20, 2013
My Aunt Edna holds a special place in my heart. My memories of her are always with a laugh and a smile. I close my eyes and can see her so clearly! I recall helping her (along with Vicki)with Avon orders when I was young and wearing her beautiful ball gowns for Halloween! She was a wonderful mother and beautiful person. I know her soul is soaring and that she is with her Maker!
Teri Swette
February 18, 2013
So sad, she was the last link to my mom who passed away in Nov 2008.. They were great friends.. We had so many good times with Edie and family. I will never forget her and the love she had for her furry friends!! R.I.P. my dear friend..
Linda & Al Falk
February 18, 2013
Vicki Ellis
February 16, 2013
ME AND EDIE HAVE A SPECIAL BOND SHE WAS A AMAZING SMART GOOD NATURED WOMEN WHO HAD NO FEARS AND LOVED EVERY1. I MISS U VERY MUCH AND THANKS U AGAIN FOR THE LOVE FOR PEIS
February 16, 2013
dear Vicky it was a privilege to have shared many experiences with edie.she was always fun to be around and made you feel like you
were a part of something.allowing you to be yourself,happy birthday Edie lots of love always your nephew
Kevin Kelley
February 16, 2013
So sad to hear of Edie's passing. She had a wonderful and loving spirit. My family and I drove out from Kansas City to Arizona in 2009 to purchase our shar pei puppy. Meeting Edie in person was a highlight for all of us. So sorry for your loss.
Julie Kelly
February 15, 2013
Happy Birthday Edie, We really enjoyed getting to know you and Vicki over the last 15 years. Your gentle and fun spirit were deeply treasured by humans and Shar-peis alike. God bless you and your family.
Chris & Karen Roden
February 14, 2013
Vickie, we are so sad to hear that Edna has passed away. She was a lovely lady. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen and Chris Roden
February 14, 2013
Vicki, We only met your Mom briefly but knew of her through your stories. Although we know she is in a better place... it is very difficult to accept that she will not be with us any longer on this earth. May you find comfort in the memories that you will always cherish.
Linda Stearman Marc Malin
February 14, 2013
Dear Vicki, Edie will always hold a special place in my heart. I met her through you, and she was always kind to me. She is the first person who signed my Notary Journal when I became a Notary, and I am still doing Notaries!
Her compassion with her furry pals was obvious, you could certainly tell she loved her doggies. She will be missed......Lori Mulholland
February 14, 2013
Edna Mae - You were always so nice to me.
I will always remember you. Send lottery numbers :)
Carol Chaplin
February 14, 2013
Feb wil alway be your birthday to me. You were a wonderful, our friendship was special. I will always miss you, know your in a better place and I will met you there some day. I will miss you til we meet again.
Belinda Neely
February 14, 2013
Edna Mae! Beau & I celebrated your Birthday Baby just like Every year since 72? Wow, you are incredible! I'm happy to say we have your jammies from the time you spent the nite w/ us! We Loved You Then, Now & 4 Ever! You are a part of our life! Beau calls you his Grandma! I'm proud of you!
Georgia Bennett
February 13, 2013
Happy Birthday Edie.. You are an amazing woman who was loved by many. I am so happy to have known you. Take care of us all from up above and shine your beautiful light upon us..you are missed.
Lori Jacques
February 13, 2013
Happy Birthday, Edie. Hoping you are surrounded by all the wonderful Shar-Pei that went ahead and waited for you. You are missed.
Marilyn Vinson
February 13, 2013
Happy 84th Birthday Edna Mae. We celebrate it on you behalf. We will always remember the good times we had together and are comforted in the knowledge that you will always be with us in sprit, watching over us and helping in ways we cannot imagine. We love an miss you always. Jack & Deana
Jack & Deana Kelley
February 13, 2013
Edna “Edie” Mae (Kelley) Murray, after a long illness peacefully passed away on Sunday morning Feb 3, 2013 in Phoenix AZ.
She was born Feb 13, 1929 to Cecil & Pauline Kelley on a small farm in Pawnee, OK. where she grew up. Edna was a member of the famed Pawnee High School Marching Band, played the French horn, rode horses and competed in the Pawnee Bill Rodeo.
Shortly after school she married Merle Laybank of Fairfax, OK and moved to Wichita, KS. Her two sons Ronald and Russell where born during this time.
She started her business career working for Boeing Aircraft as a secretary. She was the Boing icon for the Wichita Engineer publication in 1958.
After Merle's untimely death, she met and married Alvin “Pete” Funk whose job at AT&T took the family to Phoenix, AZ where her only daughter Vicki was born.
In 1962 she began selling Avon products door to door. After being recognized and receiving several top sales awards, Edna quickly became an upper level Avon District Manager for the company in Phoenix. After 30 years of outstanding achievements in sales and distinguished service, winning awards which took her on trips world-wide, she retired from Avon in 1994. Shown here, on the cover of Avon Essence Magazine, ranked #2 for the entire company.
Edie as most knew her by, had a great love of animals. She built her ranch home, the “Winnie Bark Ranch” in Peoria, AZ, where she had several horses and raised award winning Chinese Shar-pei dogs which she sold all over the world. She touched the hearts of so many with her wrinkled furry friends. She was also an avid hunter, sharp shooter and loved fishing every year in Ear Falls, Canada. She sold the ranch in 2000 and moved to her final home in Cave Creek, AZ where she resided close to her daughter Vicki.
Edna expressed her love of horses and dogs by creating beautiful works of art in many leather oil paintings she sold and displayed in her home.
She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Ellis of Chandler, AZ, a sister Mary Joe Jelinek of Pawnee, OK, brothers Cecil Kelley Jr. of Strawberry, AZ, Jim Kelley of Pawnee, OK and Jack Kelley of Tulsa, OK.
Edna had a loving heart with a friendly nature and made many friends. She treated everyone as an equal and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She will be deeply missed by everyone she touched.
A private service will be held by the family.
Vicki Ellis, 480-251-6469
3996 S. Hollyhock Place
Chandler, AZ 85248
February 13, 2013
Happy Birthday Mom! I miss you so much. I Love You!!!
Vicki Ellis
February 13, 2013
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