MARTHA ANN MURRAY

MARTHA ANN MURRAY Martha Ann Murray passed away peacefully at the age of 80, on November 21, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on February 5, 1945, to Tom and Anna Jo Belch. She spent her childhood there, graduating from Ardmore High School in 1962, then went on to earn her master's in education from Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma. She returned to Ardmore, where she taught 2nd grade at Charles Evans Elementary for 29 years. She was a gifted and beloved teacher, firm when needed and gentle when it mattered, endlessly devoted to her students' success. Some of her former students would later tell her she inspired them to become teachers themselves. She had a heart for education that she carried into every corner of her life. Martha was also a devoted and loving mother. She could be strict when she felt she needed to be, always wanting her children to stay on the right path, but she was also warm, funny and deeply understanding. She had a forgiving heart, and you could talk to her about anything at any time. After retiring at the young age of 50, Martha spent her days soaking up the simple beauties of life. She adored long drives around Lake Murray, enjoying the beauty of nature and sunsets. She loved camping in her motor home, metal detecting, and exploring back roads. She was never rushed by the pressure of the world; she simply loved the life she lived and the people in it. One of her greatest joys in life was being "Gigi" to her grandchildren. She laughed with them constantly, arm wrestled just for fun, quizzed them to stretch their knowledge, played endless games and joined them on hikes and little adventures. She crafted with them, had tea parties, built blanket tents and always found a way to turn ordinary moments into magic. She was a wonderful home cook who made the simplest meals feel special. Whether it was chicken fried steak, homemade pimento cheese or chicken spaghetti, she was always ready to cook - day or night. If you were hungry at midnight, she'd happily turn on the kitchen light and make something yummy, as feeding others was one of the ways she cared most deeply. Martha remained in Ardmore until 2018, when she moved to Allen, Texas to live with one of her daughters. She was able to spend more precious time with her grandchildren, which was such a blessing. She later resided in memory care, where her sweet spirit, expressive eyes and spark of humor continued to shine through, even when words no longer came easily. Martha will always be remembered for her big hugs, complete with her signature loving pats, and her unmatched sense of humor that could make anyone giggle, even at the most inappropriate of times. She lived simply and loved deeply - to know her was to be loved by her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Martha's memory. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas O. Belch and Anna Jo Belch and her sister, Barbara Ida Holmes. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Hill and husband, Matt Hill of Dallas, TX; her daughter Amy Bahner and husband, Brook Bahner of Allen, TX; her son, Mike Murray and wife Patti Murray of Ardmore, OK; her grandchildren, Lauren Schoeppey and husband, Amon Schoeppey, Justin Ederer, Braden Bahner, Zach Bahner, Jack Travis, Landon Martinez, Dylan Murray and Eli Martinez; great-grandchildren, Paisley, Sawyer and Knox (expected in December) Schoeppey; former husband, Craig Murray; brother-in-law, Jerry Homes; nieces, Tracy Holmes, Leah Holmes and Jamie Holmes Laws. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Martha's life will be held at Craddock Funeral Home in Ardmore, OK on January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.