Thelma Elaine Murray

Thelma E. Murray, age 86 years, a resident of Beech Grove, passed away November 17, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Thelma was born February 27, 1937 in Indianapolis to the late Russell E. and Sally B. West Tolen. She attended Manual High School, and married William E. “Eddie” Murray, March 20, 1953. He preceded her in death February 18, 1998. Thelma devoted her entire life taking care of her family. At the age of 28 with five children and one on the way, she and Eddie took in her four nieces and two nephews after their parents were tragically killed in a terrible train accident. Thelma and Eddie refused to let her nieces and nephews be separated from each other and accepted them willingly and lovingly into their home. Over the years, she nurtured her large family with love, kindness, and support, bringing them together as one big happy family. A true reflection of the love and support that Thelma and Eddie provided is evident in the strong bond the children have for each other, but especially for Thelma and Eddie. Thelma was a caregiver at heart. She nursed numerous ill family members throughout her life including her beloved husband and daughter who battled heart disease, and she dropped everything in her life to care for another daughter who was battling breast cancer. Although she never drove a car, it didn’t stop her from getting on a Greyhound bus and traveling out of state to be with her grandson during an illness. She was skilled at sign language (growing up with deaf parents), and it was common for her to interpret in sign language for strangers if she saw someone struggling in the hospital emergency room or grocery store. She also was an amazing seamstress and made uniforms for the local high school band as well as wedding dresses for her daughters, their bridal party, and costumes for her children, grandchildren or friends. Thelma was a stay-at-home mom who worked endlessly and tirelessly. She pampered her family and always put herself last. She cherished her children and their spouses and was thrilled when a new baby was born into the family. She enjoyed bowling and became lifelong friends with many of her bowling league members. She also enjoyed going to the casino, and her children loved to spoil her by financing this fun. Thelma’s Catholic religion was her strength, and everyone in her family knew not to bother her at 9:30 p.m. when the rosary was on T.V. On her deathbed, she could barely speak but held her rosary beads in hands and recited her prayers, her last wish to her family was for them to take care of each other, be sad and cry for five minutes, then move on with their lives and be happy. Thelma was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. Visitation will be Sunday, November 26, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Thompson Road Chapel, 3333 E. Thompson Road, with prayers Monday, November 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 89 N. 17th Avenue, Beech Grove, IN 46107. Entombment will follow in Washington Park East Cemetery. Thelma is survived by her loving children, Mary Jo Kern (Jay), Theresa A. Ringham (John), Thomas E. Murray (Tammy), Sandra L. Fitzpatrick (Mike), Belinda K. Greene, Carol A. Kelley and Earl C. Hall; daughter-in-law, Tammy Murray-Woempner; sons-in-law, Gary McElwaine and David T. Ringham; 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death, by five children, Rebecca L. McElwaine, Linda S. Ringham, Steven R. Murray, Earlene R. Griffith and Joseph W. Hall; and two sons-in-law, Thomas J. Greene and Charles T. Kelley; and her brother, Jack R. Tolen. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

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Thelma Elaine Murray

February 27, 1937 - November 17, 2023