Ben F McMurria
Posted on Apr 26, 2012 | 7 commentsBen Fudge McMurria
Born: May 25, 1916
Died: April 28, 2012
CHUBBUCK-Ben Fudge McMurria died on Thursday, April 26, 2012 in the arms of his loving family, he would have been 96 years old on his May 25th birthday. Ben is now in the arms of Myrna Belle Dudley McMurria who preceded him in death by 14 years and his son Kent McMurria who died in 2008.
Ben is survived by two daughters: Gayle Ann McMurria-Bachik of Keizer, Oregon and Pam (McMurria) Gray of Richland, Washington and one son, Oscar Scott McMurria of California. He will be missed by his grand children David Eckman (Pocatello), Ricky McMurria (Aloha, Oregon), Tessa (McMurria) Gunn (Pocatello) Brandy Gray (Richland, WA), Tracy Gray (Fairfield, California), Kristin (Bachik) Link (Beaverton, Oregon), Aaron Bachik (Denver, Colorado) and Stephanie Bistline-Jennings (Eagle, Idaho). He was adored by his 22 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Ben was an honored WWII Veteran. He served stateside in the army as an artillery Sergeant training young soldiers to work on planes going into battle. An honor guard will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard at the graveside.
Ben retired from working in the automotive industry to his favorite job: volunteering at the Idaho State University Museum of Natural History. He was an avid reader all his life and loved walking and fishing with his family. He was an Atlanta Braves fan and tracked them in the good years and the bad.
Graveside services for Ben will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2:30 P.M. at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be given by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. At the family’s request there will be no public visitation.
Sorry I will not be able to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I have fond memories of Ben and Myrna.
Dear Gayle, Pam, Scott and families,
Judy called me tonight to tell me she had seen your father’s obituary in the paper. I’m so glad she did. I remember your father as a kind and gentle man who sometimes liked to tease. I plan to see you all tomorrow at the graveside service. Is there anything I can do for you? I am thinking of you and hoping that you will find comfort in each other and in the memories of other times.
Love,
Susie
Susie: It was wonderful to have you, Judy and Sheila at Daddy’s graveside service. I can’t express the overwhelming feelings of support and love when I saw the three of you. Hopefully time will never extinguish the great memories and feelings we have in our shared history. We need to keep in touch. I will call next time I get to Pocatello. I will also love you forever. If you ever would like to get in contact my phone number is 503-363-4548, email: Bachik@comcast.net and address is 5964 Crystal Springs Court North/Keizer, Oregon 97303. Gayle
I am so far away and all my childhood friends are now as I am, orphans. Today several of you will be together to love and support Gayle and her family as they lay to rest a fine and gentle man. I will light a candle and say many prayers for the sweet rest of a good man.
Patty
Patty- So kind of you to write your thoughts. This is the first time I have been able to visit this site and now I am sorry it took so long. I was so moved to have Judy, Susie and Shelia come to the grave side service and know if you could have, you would have been there too. We missed you. And, of course I miss my Dad so much. I wonder if the pain will ever decrease? I am sure you must feel the same way about your parents. If you ever would like to get in contact my phone number is 503-363-4548, email: Bachik@comcast.net and address is 5964 Crystal Springs Court North/Keizer, Oregon 97303. My memories of our times to gether are filled with love and I still feel that love in my heart for you. Gayle
I have been visiting Ridge Wind regularly for 11 years. I didn’t get to know Ben personally, but I have so admired his diligence in walking the halls everyday. I have often wondered how many miles he has walked. My Father, Murray Green, also a WWII veteran just passed away on April 14th at Ridge Wind. He would have been 88 on May 26th. Thanks for your great example Ben.
As I read the obituary for Mr. McMurria, I was truly impressed by the outstanding and full life he lived. Never-the-less, 95 years of life is still much too short. How thankful we are that our grand Creator, Jehovah plans to restore his original purpose and make it possible for all mankind (including our loved ones we have lost in death) to live forever under perfect conditions. (Matthew 6:10; Job 14:14 & 15). Please accept our condolences as you deal with the loss of Mr. McMurria and contemplate the hope of seeing him once again.