Zola McMurray

Zola McMurray

11/4/1939 — 9/13/2015

Zola Lee (Fairley) McMurray, a resident of the Washington, DC area for the last 15 years, died Sunday, September 13, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia after a valiant battle against cancer.

Zola was born November 4, 1939, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Zoel and Elsie (Snyder) Fairley.  She attended school in Orofino and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1957.  She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority in Moscow and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Idaho in 1961 with an Idaho secondary teaching certificate for business and English.  

Zola taught high school business classes at Deary High, Boise High and Lewiston High Schools during the early 1960s. She was a legal secretary for a law firm in Idaho Falls before she and her husband bought Fairley's Flowers and Gardens from her parents in Lewiston in 1969.

She was a past president of the Lewiston Service League; a member and vice president of the Board of Directors of the Lewiston Independent School District #1; and a member of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Educational Lab in Portland, Oregon.   

In 2000, she and her husband moved to Washington, DC where she worked for the United States Senate.  In 2007, she retired as Chief Clerk of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.   

Having grown up in the floral business and being a professional florist for over two decades, Zola’s home was always full of fresh cut flowers.  She was active in numerous community associations and housing boards, enjoyed her “Someday Bridge Group,” and loved to travel and play golf.  She had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ron McMurray in Alexandria; son, Dan (Michelle) in Chicago; son, Doug (Kathy) in Boise; daughter, Cari (Steve) Murphy in Lewiston; and five grandchildren, Lynzi, Casey, Dylan, Ryder and Lauren. 

There will be a private family graveside service at Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston on Saturday, October 3 followed by a celebration of Zola’s life at 12:00 PM at the Clarkston Event Center, 841 Sixth Street, Clarkston, Washington.

Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home of Lewiston, Idaho is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the online guest book or send condolences at www.malcomsfuneralhome.com.

Service Information

Date & Time
Saturday, October 3, 12:00 PM
Location
The Clarkston Event Center
841 6th Street
Clarkston, Washington 99403

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Condolences

Denetta Bann-Nugen

Dear McMurray Family,

I have so many great childhood memories with your family. I always looked up to Zola. She was such a classy lady and fabulous mom to her children! I will treasure those times. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Denetta Bann-Nugen

Monday, October 5, 2015 9:20 PM

Dave and Mary Daugharty

We just wanted your family to know how much we appreciated all the good times we had dancing,rafting, and celebrating in our younger years. What wonderful memories ! Know that you are on our minds.

Mary and Dave

Monday, October 5, 2015 11:04 AM

Catherine Johnson

When I lost my father, Zola comforted me by writing: "....focus on the good memories....." I will always have great memories of Zola. To the McMurray Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Missing her a lot myself.

Hugs and love, Cat

Saturday, October 3, 2015 10:32 AM

Mercedes and Gary Bolger

Hi Ron,

You and Zola are a rare example of a couple with such devotion for one another. It is amazing what the two of you accomplished as you fulfilled your dreams and ambitions with such energy and passion. I am truly sorry for your loss. Merc

Saturday, October 3, 2015 6:47 AM

Shayla McMurray

Hi Uncle Ron,

I am beyond sorry for hearing about the loss of Zola. She was such an inspiration to me and I love you both dearly. I miss you and I hope to get back into touch, I have moved so please email me and we can reconnect.

Stay strong and rest with the peace that Zola was an angel to this world and will continue to be in Heaven.

With all my love,

Shayla

Friday, October 2, 2015 7:25 PM

Larry Profitt

Ron 3 great kids grand babies. What a life you and Zola had, But life goes on and all your pass loves will now transfer you so you can mind the family. I only have the greates respect for you both. Your 58 mate Larry Profitt

Friday, October 2, 2015 8:30 AM

Craig and Nancy Bruns

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will not be able to attend the celebration of Zola's life but will be thinking of you. May God bring each of you His perfect peace and rest.

Thursday, October 1, 2015 5:04 PM

Laura Skaer

Ron,

I am so blessed to have known Zola. I will forever remember the evening we shared watching the Seattle-Denver Super Bowl. My heart aches for your loss, but rejoices in knowing that Zola is with her Lord and Savior, cancer and pain free. May God bless you and comfort you.

Love,

Laura

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 9:58 AM

Dawn Halstead

Ron & Family, was so sad to hear of Zola's passing from cancer. My Parents were Walter & Mapril Andersen. Mapril was Uncle Stanley's Sister, they were deaf. I feel so sorry for you Ron, she was a wonderful person, I remember her smile! Just try to remember the years of great times you had together. Be strong for each other! R.I.P. Zola McMurray. May God be with all of you during this time. Love Always, Dawn & Gary, Kristina & Kaydin & Ryan Halstead of Tucson Az.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 8:05 AM

Mike Ward

So sorry to hear about Zola's passing. My heart goes out to all of you. My memories of her are what a very kind person she was. I'd love to touch base with you to see how things are going.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 12:16 AM

Richard Reilly

So sorry to see Zola's passing. She was a kind, gracious and classy that will be missed.

Monday, September 28, 2015 4:58 PM

Jerold L. Knapp

Best wishes to your family and friends at your passing. Thank you for English class at LHS 1963. Love and Peace Jerry Knapp

Sunday, September 27, 2015 11:15 AM

Glen and Delores Morgan

We were sorry to hear about the passing of Zola. She was a special person in all regards and will be greatly missed.

Sunday, September 27, 2015 8:50 AM

Mary & Aman Adel

Ron,

Zola was a wonderful lady who will be missed dearly as a member of our community and Potters Glenn BOD. Our condolences to you and the rest of family. May she rest in peace.

Sincerely

Mary

Sunday, September 27, 2015 8:48 AM

Chuck and Carol Martin

Dear Ron and Family,

We were so sorry to hear about Zola. Zola was a beautiful Lady both inside and outside. Always so giving and willing to go the extra mile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Let us know how we can help.Love and prayers, Chuck and Carol Martin

Saturday, September 26, 2015 12:11 PM

Minda McLaughlin Merrow

Ron,

Such wonderful memories of Zola! Thinking of you and your family at this time. I send my prayers and will be thinking of you all as you celebrate her well lived life!

Minda

Friday, September 25, 2015 8:03 PM

Margie Maisonet

You often hear that someone was a class act. This could not be more true of anyone than Zola. Ron, sending blessings and good thoughts to you and your family.

Friday, September 25, 2015 10:30 AM

Mindy Davis

Ron, Dan, Doug and Cari and Families:

I have so many fond memories of your family, My heart breaks for each one of you. Zola was one of my favorite other Mom's. So sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. All our love, Jackson and Mindy Davis

Friday, September 25, 2015 6:32 AM

Marilyn Ard Cameron

I have fond memories of Zola. I lived down the road from them although younger I always thought she was so pretty and I liked her name. She was friendly to everyone. She impacted many people with the variety of things in her life. I know she will be missed by her family and her close friends. God Bless her.

Thursday, September 24, 2015 8:52 PM

Steve & Terry Cox

ron and family, we are so sad to hear the news of Zola passing. She was one very special lady! There was not one thing she could not do and do it well. I always said I wanted to be just like her when I grow up! We have so many wonderful memories from our " Someday Bridge" group, we solved so many world problems and laughed until we couldn't laugh any more! The friendship of that group is a blessing-- Zola was a blessing - just to be her friend was a blessing. I will miss her so much! Know that you and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs Terry

Thursday, September 24, 2015 7:33 PM

Jeri McGuire

Dear Ron and Family, Everyone is so saddened to hear abut the loss of Zola. I always looked up to her in high school and it was so great talking with her at your 50th reunion. She was so kind and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers and much love go out to you all. Love, Jeri and family

Thursday, September 24, 2015 5:28 PM

Shannan Eid

Many condolences to Zola's family. My parents, Bun (Bernice) and Lloyd Eid, owned Bryden Grocery, at the corner of 5th and Bryden in Lewiston Orchards. The family's nursery up the road was well-known to us. I didn't know Zola personally but remember her as being a beautiful young woman.

Shannan Eid

Thursday, September 24, 2015 4:58 PM

Paul and Deanna Stewart

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ron and your family. Zola and you were true partners traveling through this life. She will always be in the hearts of all she touched with her compassion and caring spirit. God has a place for special people like Zola.

Thursday, September 24, 2015 10:59 AM

Keith Popenoe

This lady epitomized class and refinement throughout met life. I have wonderful memories of her, her keen intellect, her compassion and love for people, and her perfect manners. Zola was inspiring and astoundly beautiful. We are all blessed to have known her!!!

Thursday, September 24, 2015 9:54 AM

Andy and Bits

Ron, Oh the memories, wonderful memories. Zola Lee was a very special Lady. Always greeted our family with open arms and a warm smile. Carry on Ron, and know we will continue to send prayers your way.

Andy and Bits

Thursday, September 24, 2015 9:28 AM

Pat (Simmons) Beckstrom

My condolences to you and you family, Ron.

Bless Zola for her many contributions

and now in her peacefulness.

Pat

Thursday, September 24, 2015 7:05 AM

Norm Semanko

I am so sorry Ron. May God's love, the thoughts and prayers of friends and family, and the wonderful memories of your years together sustain you during your time of loss.

Warmest regards,

Norm Semanko

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 9:38 PM

Dolores Brownfield Haley

Please except my condolences. I've been through it and it is tough. Dolores

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 8:42 PM

Yvonne & Bill Chadsey

Zola Lee a beautiful lady

She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Prayers for Ron & family

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 8:15 PM

Jan (Schoenberg) Peavy

Dear Ron and family,

How very sad to hear of Zola's passing. My deepest sympathy to all of you. She was a wonderful classmate and it was a pleasure to spend some time with you two and Dan while you were finishing school. Rest in peace, Zola, and Ron, take care of yourself.

Jan Peavy

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 3:02 PM

Gerry Dietz

A wonderful class mate and such a beautiful lady.

You will be missed. Rest in peace.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 2:37 PM

George and Tricia Selby

Zola was one of a kind. Dynamic, intelligent, a true participant in life with many interests, and possessed a great sense of humor. Together with Ron, they became our neighbors and dear friends. We will always remember Zola fondly and feel privileged to have known her.

Ron, we hope that your loss is tempered by the wonderful memories of 55 years spent with your high school sweetheart and life partner. A rare relationship indeed.

Please remember we are here should you need anything.

George and Tricia

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 12:05 PM

Andrew Arulanandam

Ron,

Very sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Kate, Andrew and Jack Arulanandam

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 11:41 AM

Jeff Schrade

Zola was a wonderful, gracious, classy lady with whom I had the honor of working on both the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. She was kind, smart and considerate, and I am glad I knew her in this life. She was my friend -- a true friend with whom I could always laugh and sometimes commiserate with.

My heart goes out to Ron and their kids. Zola will be missed but if you're like me, I look forward to seeing her again in heaven... if I make it! :-)

May God bless her loving husband Ron, a great man and a great friend as well.

Sincerely,

Jeff Schrade

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 11:27 AM

Bernie Robinson

Ron,

Zola was a great Lady...who loved her husband and Family...and who added smiles and value to so many.

God Bless Zola, you and your Family !

Bernie

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 10:19 AM

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