Richard William "Rich" Murray

Honoring the Life of Richard William Murray
Richard William Murray passed away peacefully on October 8, 2022, in Madison, IN, at the age of 76. He spent his final days in the care and company of his loved ones.
Rich was born in 1946 in Peoria, IL; the third of four children and only son of Robert and Alice Murray. After stops in Nebraska and Iowa, the family settled in Crown Point, IN, where Rich graduated from Crown Point High School and - more importantly - met the love of his life, Ruth. The couple attended Purdue together and married in 1968 just before Rich's graduation.
The newlyweds moved to Detroit, and Rich began his career with the city's budget department. They welcomed a daughter, Jennifer, in 1970 and a son, Benjamin, in 1974. As they grew up, Rich was his children's biggest fan, attending countless music recitals and sporting competitions. He also passed along important life skills: his daughter's parallel parking lessons drew an audience of neighbors, and he spent months working with his son to restore a classic 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
When Rich retired in 1999, he and Ruth knew they wanted to be "back home again in Indiana." They found their place in Madison. Over the next 17 years, Rich applied his skills as a woodworker and master fix-it guy as the couple worked together to restore a 19th century rowhouse to its former glory. His appreciation for historic architecture also led him to serve as president of Cornerstone, Madison's historic preservation board, for six years.
In 2015, Rich and Ruth felt the call of warmer climates and found their new home in Hudson, FL. They enjoyed six years of sunshine and added many dear friends during their stay. But as Rich's health began to falter, they needed to return "home" once again. The couple returned to Madison in July 2021, and treasured being close to family and friends once again.
Faith was central to Rich's life and it carried him through some difficult times. A lifelong member of the Lutheran church, he was active with his home congregations in Michigan, Indiana, and Florida. Throughout his life, he served the Lord with his many gifts.
Rich's life was so much more than the history of his career and activities. He was a kind and gentle man who loved with his whole heart. He didn't always have a lot to say, but his smile spoke volumes. He seldom raised his voice - except when the Boilermakers were playing. He had a curious mind and loved new experiences, but he also appreciated the simple comforts of everyday life. Health and mobility issues slowed him down over time, but he never lost his joy or his sense of humor. And through it all, he and Ruth were always together, side by side, loving and depending on one another. Please Click Here to View the Video Tribute
Rich leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife of 54 years, Ruth (Lambka) Murray of Madison, IN; his daughter Jennifer Ribble and husband David, of Indianapolis, IN; his son Benjamin Murray and wife Jennifer, of Yorkville, IL; his grandsons Cameron Michael Murray and Tyler Benjamin Murray; and his sisters Patricia Murray of Modesto, CA, and Jean Murray of Portland, OR. He is also mourned by an extended family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives, as well as countless friends across the country. Together we grieve the loss of this wonderful man, while also celebrating our good fortune at having known and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Omer Murray; his mother, Alice Leona (Wolf) Murray; his sister Roberta (Murray) Simon and her husband Robert Simon; his father-in-law, Russell Earl Lambka; and his mother-in-law, Marjory (Elzinger) Lambka.
FUNERAL CEREMONY
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 am ET, by Pastor Jeffery Pflug at Faith Lutheran Church, 3024 North Michigan Road in Madison, IN. Interment will follow in the Springdale Cemetery, 600 West Fifth Street in downtown Madison, IN.
TO WATCH THE FUNERAL LIVE CLICK THE LINK BELOW https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/79756/hash:6F7384359ADF81ED
VISITATION
Friends may visit Friday from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive Madison, IN and Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at Faith Lutheran Church, 3024 North Michigan Road in Madison, IN.
MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover or at the church. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com Place An Online Memorial
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