Mrs. Kathie Laura Murrell

September 22, 1955 - June 16, 2008

Kathie Laura Riley Murrell passed away Monday morning, June 16, 2008, at her home in North Vernon. She was 52 at the time of her passing.

Kathie was born September 22, 1955 in her grandmother's house on Craft's Colley Creek near Whitesburg, KY. She married Michael Murrell on June 19, 1976 in North Vernon, he survives.

Mrs. Murrell is survived by her husband, Michael R. Murrell of North Vernon, daughter, Chasity (Michael Jr.) Harvey of Madison, IN, grandchildren, Caleb and Kaelyn Harvey of Madison also. Also surviving are her parents, Lester and Jackie Stallerd Riley of North Vernon, three sisters; Theresa Gabaree of Salem, IN, Valera Schafer of Madison, and Peggy Wilson of North Vernon, and one brother, Jeffery Riley of North Vernon. Additionally, her mother-in-law, Lena Murrell of North Vernon, sisters-in-laws, Teresa Riley, Carolyn King, Nikki Murrell, and Pamela Israel. Brother-in-laws, Freole Gabaree, Jerry Schafer, Donnie Wilson, James H. Murrell, Billy Wayne Murrell and Dennis Murrell. Nieces; Malisa Higdon, Lindsay Harrison, Kristin Panning, Jennifer Hill, Leslie Wilson and LaKeisha Madden. Nephews; Christopher Wilson, Brian Schafer, Justin Cline and Robbie Madden. Nine great-nieces and nephews, plus many cousins and a host of friends.

Kathie lived on Crafts Colley until age 11, when the family moved to southern Indiana and eventually settled in the North Vernon area. She was a 1973 graduate of Jennings County High School, and was Valedictorian from Flagler Community College in St. Augustine, FL.

In 1983, Kathie moved to St. Augustine, FL, where she lived for 17 years, returning to North Vernon in 2000 to live with family and friends. Gardening, wildlife, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren were just a few of her many interest. Helping others was second nature to Kathie. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. This devotion to her fellow man led to her working at Muscatatuck State Developmental Center, St. Augustine Center for living and Program Developmental and Placements services, where she was able to help those less fortunate than her. She was also a very proud Mary Kay consultant.

While we all are saddened and grief stricken, we should take comfort in knowing Kathie is and always will be with us. Our loss is surely Heaven's gain and Kathie is at Peace with God and the Angels.

Funeral Information

Funeral services will be at 11 AM, Friday, June 20, 2008 at Sawyer~Pickett Funeral Home with the Rev. Lester Riley officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 4 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Vernon Cemetery.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made to the family through the funeral home.