McMurray, Harriet Ray 1897-1975

MCMURRAY, HAINES, RAY, HARRIS, MCKAY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/29/2012 at 19:17:11

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Feb. 12, 1975

H. MCMURRAY DIES AT 77

Harriet Ray McMurray, 77, a former Grinnell resident, died Feb. 12 in Albuquerque, N.M., after a short illness.

She was born in Grinnell Sept. 3, 1897, the daughter of Sara Haines Ray and Will G. Ray. Her father was a noted publisher and editor of several Iowa newspapers, including the Grinnell Herald, and also served as a member of the Iowa Senate.

A graduate of Grinnell College, Mrs. McMurray received her degree in 1919. Her grandmother, Johanna Hannah Harris Haines, was the first woman graduate of Grinnell College.

Upon graduation, Mrs. McMurray taught Latin and English in Bagley, Iowa.

She was married to Arthur R. McMurray of Grinnell in 1920. In 1928, the family moved to Brooklyn, where she become managing editor of the Brooklyn Chronicle, a position she held until 1942. From that time until 1965, the family lived in Des Moines where she was employed by the Iowa State Department of Social Welfare. She formerly supervised admissions at Broadlawns Polk County Hospital. For the past 10 years, she and her husband had lived in Albuquerque.

A 50-year member of P.E.O., she remained active in the organization until her death. She was most recently affiliated with the First Congregational Church in Albuquerque.

She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Mrs. A.L. McKay of Albuquerque; two sons, George R. of Fort Collins, Colo., and A. Robert Jr. of East Greenwich, R.I.; and four grandchildren.