Ruth Eileen Murray, 82, of Oil City, went home to be with the Lord following a brief illness. She died at 12:18 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the home of her son.
She was born in Greenwood Township, Crawford County, on July 1, 1936, to the late Vance L. and H. Ruth (Miles) Williams.
Eileen graduated from Meadville High School before attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Mrs. Murray was involved in the Zonta Club and the Red Hat Society and also served as a member of the local Republican committee, as well as a Judge of Elections for Cornplanter Township. She was also a Cornplanter Township Auditor.
She was a longtime dedicated member of Second Presbyterian Church in Oil City, where she served as an elder, deacon and member of the Presbyterian Women.
Eileen was an excellent cook and enjoyed gardening and canning. She was an avid reader.
Mrs. Murray taught fifth grade at Hasson Heights Elementary School for the Oil City school district for 38 years. She also assisted her husband in operating Murray Auto Sales. She was instrumental in establishing the Murray Scenic View outlook on Grandview Road, in her husband’s memory.
She was married in Meadville on Dec. 14, 1957, to Robert K. Murray, and he preceded her in death on March 13, 1998.
She is survived by two children, Robert L. Murray and his wife Debra, of Oil City, and Vicki R. Prutzman, of Tampa, Florida; five grandchildren, Jason R. Murray and his wife Erin, Jessica L. Collins and her husband Jeff, Ryan J. Murray and his wife Shaina, Shannon N. Prutzman, and Amanda R. Ebersole and her husband Ryan; and seven great-grandchildren, Logan and A.J. Murray, Rachel and Abigail Collins, and Brandon, Kamryn and Jacob Murray. Her family was the joy of her life. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. One niece, Bonnie Hillman, remained very close to Eileen in recent years.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harold V. Williams, and two sisters, Thelma L. White and Alice Faye Harris.
A visitation for friends and family will be held Wednesday (May 15th) from 1 to 2:45 p.m. in the Second Presbyterian Church at 111 Reed St. in Oil City. The funeral service will follow in the church Wednesday (May 15th) at 3 p.m., with Rev. Sue Montgomery officiating.
Interment will follow at Shaw Farm Cemetery in Oil City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Second Presbyterian Church, 111 Reed St., Oil City, PA 16301.
Funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca, Cranberry Township. For additional information, or to express online condolences to the family, visit www.hilebest.com.
