Jennell Murray

Jennell Murray, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 at age 103. She was born on July 1, 1921 in Jackson, Missouri to the late Roy E. and Gladys (nee: McLarnen) Hatchitt. She was a loving mother to Dawn Murray, a dear sister to Jack (Shirley) Hatchitt, and dearest aunt to Curtis (Ann) Hatchitt, DeAnn (Rick) Robertson, Karen (Dave) Lange, Jill (Mark) Larsen, Lisa (Bob) Dato, the late Robert Graves, and the late David Hatchitt. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Helen Hatchitt, and her sisters, Dorothy Graves, Janet Hatchitt, and Joyce Cross. Jennell was very vivacious, out-going, and had a great sense of humor. She spoke her mind, had a strong spirit, was always up for a good party, and enjoyed her vodka. She liked to play cards with friends, and Black Jack was her game of choice. She enjoyed reading, especially steamy romance novels by Danielle Steele. She was a lady with fine taste and always looked forward to proper dining at a nice restaurant. In her younger years, Jennell loved to dance and even jumped on a train when she was 18 to travel to New York so she could try out for the Rockettes! However, standing at a mere 5'4" she came up an inch short to make the cut. She did love the arts and had quite a bit of artistic talent, and she learned how to do Chinese Toile painting and created many unique pieces for her family to enjoy. Jennell was a good mom. She took her daughter to dance lessons, taught her how to shop, the importance of a good work ethic, and to always use proper manners. They became close friends through the years and truly loved each other's company. As a career woman, Jennell held many secretarial positions, including the Special School District of St. Louis County, the Kansas City Board of Trade where she typed the daily grain report for the speculators trading on the floor. She also worked for Mayor Gage in K.C., was a part of Richard Nixon's senatorial campaign with her husband, Lou Murray, and was a legal secretary while living in California. In her later years, Jennell learned to like Bingo with her daughter and friends, Rob Deyermond and Shonn Clark, but only for the wins! To relax, she watched TV, which her favorite daytime drama was Days of Our Lives, and any other time she tuned into the Hallmark channel for sweet romance flicks. For her 75th birthday her daughter took her and her best friend, Mona Lynch, to London, and they had a grand time. They visited The Savoy for High Tea, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Palace, the Tower of London, where they were able to view the Crown Jewels, and they attended many theatre performances, including Mama Mia. Jennell moved to Cape Albion in her twilight years and made many friends throughout her ten year residency. She will be missed by her cohorts and members of the staff, as well as her family and friends.

Jennell Murray

July 1, 1921 - April 6, 2025