Rachel McMurry

November 25, 1932 - October 24, 2020

Visitation: Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Service: Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, November 2, 2020 at Canton United Methodist Church. Due to COVID precautions, lunch will not be served and mask use is encouraged.

       Rachel A. McMurry 87, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at her home in Canton with her family.  Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, November 2, 2020 at Canton United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Due to COVID precautions, lunch will not be served and mask use is encouraged.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Canton United Methodist Church. A live stream of the service can be found at:

https://www.facebook.com/CantonUnitedMethodistChurch

          Rachel Arlette Peterson was born November 25th 1932, to Arthur and Grada (Roetman) Peterson in Goldfield, IA.  Rachel grew up on the family farm in Iowa with her five siblings and graduated from Clarion High School in 1950.  Rachel continued her education at Iowa State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics Education. While attending college, Rachel met her husband John H. McMurry and they were united in marriage on June 12th 1955 in Goldfield, IA.

          Rachels greatest joy was being a wife and a mother.  Throughout her years Rachel was often seen in the kitchen cooking for her family and the one or two guests that were always welcome at the table.  Rachel served her family and the community selflessly with daily acts of kindness.  Rachel was a member of the Canton United Methodist Church and served on various committees; however, some of her greatest service was her listening ear.  Rachel spent time with people and cared for them deeply.

          Rachel is survived by her five children: John (Katherine) McMurry, Brighton, CO; Carla (Doug) Kozak, Vermillion, SD; Diane McMurry, Canton, SD; Brent (Suzanne) McMurry, Lakeville, MN; and Renee (Brit) Gilman, Elgin, IL. Rachel is also survived by her sister Eleanor McCoy, Urbandale, IA and several grandchildren.

          Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, and one sister.  All who knew and loved Rachel are grateful to have shared in her life.

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4 messages have been left

  1. MaDonna Baldwin on October 26, 2020 said:

    Diane, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother! Eternal rest grant onto her, O Lord, and May perpetual light shine onto her. 🙏 Amen.

  2. The Meyer family on October 28, 2020 said:

    To the entire McMurray family we send our condolences for the loss of a beautiful lady that our family was touched by. We have very fond memories of Rachel in our growing up years. May she rest in peace and may God give you peace during these upcoming days to come.

  3. lynda s johnson on November 1, 2020 said:

    Words can’t describe how sorry our family feels for your loss. Rachel was a wonderful lady, our children have wonderful memories of her growing up. I have always enjoyed visiting with her. She had such a wonderful out look on life and always a smile. Sending you all big hugs and prayers. Due to my current health situation, I will not be able to attend the service.

  4. Kathy and Jerry Keiser on November 11, 2020 said:

    So sorry to hear of your lovely mom’s death. She is a very lovely and helpful and friendly gal!! I wanted to stop by earlier this year as I was walking by (I had been stopping by awhile back and we would chat and have coffee–what a blessed time!!)but with virus I did not think it was a very good choice!! I will miss her strength and warmth!!