Cloudy, 48° F
On the afternoon of May 4, 2023, Keith went to join the love of his life, Rita. He was surrounded by his loving family, leading up to his passing. We know Keith “Pops” and Rita “Mummers” are once again together, dancing to their favorite song, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and reminiscing about their beautiful life and unforgettable memories.
Keith was born on July 1, 1942 in Powell, Wyoming, where he spent the rest of his life. He always said, there is “no place he would rather be.” Many have shared that he is a true icon in the Powell community and is the epitome of an admiral farmer, down to his roots.
Determined, resilient, hardworking and loyal, are just a few of the attributes to describe Keith. He had the best sense of humor, making jokes up until the end. Keith had a contagious energy and those who interacted with him, know quite well of his positive influence and of his infamous unforgettable little smirk. Keith was loved and made a positive impact in so many lives throughout his 80 years.
He loved Wyoming and was passionate about the farming life. He carried on the family tradition of Murraymere Farms, the 109-year-old farm that was established in Powell, Wyoming, in 1914. Keith was the third generation on the farm, which is now serving the fifth generation. He spent his entire life raising crops and livestock, primarily Angus beef cattle. Keith started driving his Ford 8N tractor when he was just 5 years old. Keith recalled “At that point I knew from a young age, that I would be a farmer for life.”
He attended the Powell schools where he met many of his lifelong friends, graduating high school in 1960. He attended college locally in Powell, at Northwest College for two years, continuing his higher educational journey in Laramie, attending the University of Wyoming. Keith graduated college in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He proudly served on the first University of Wyoming Meat Judging team and served on the University Livestock Judging team, winning numerous awards.
Keith was always humble and a man of many talents. Looking back at Keith’s yearbooks, they were full of accomplishments, from many track awards to numerous FFA awards. He even played the guitar and sang in a college band.
In March of 1967, on St. Patrick’s Day, Keith “found his luck,” also known as the love of his life, Rita Hungerford. When asked what his first impression of Rita was, he beamed with a big smile and sparkle in his eye, “how beautiful she was and her smile.” He knew after just a couple dates that she was the one! They were joined together in marriage on Oct. 14, 1967. They delayed their honeymoon until after beet harvest and went to Disneyland in his 1957 Buick. They spent a beautiful 53 years together until Rita’s passing in September 2021.
Keith and Rita created a beautiful family together, with four children (Bryon, Valerie, Kenton and Tiffany). They always said they had the perfect combo of two boys and two girls. They raised all four children in their idyllic white farmhouse, built by Keith’s grandfather and where he continued to live the rest of his life.
The Park County Fair was always one of his favorite times of year. Throughout his childhood he showed Angus beef cattle and was very involved in 4-H and FFA. Keith served for many years on the Park County Fair board and as the Open Class Beef Superintendent for 55 years. His oldest daughter, Valerie, has carried on the legacy and now serves as the Open Class Beef Superintendent.
Keith enjoyed traveling, but also loved coming home to Powell, as he truly felt there is no other place that he would want to call home. In his teen years, he first traveled internationally to the Philippines to help his grandparents on their trip for six months. One of his most memorable highlights was meeting President Garcia in the Presidential Office. In 1992, Keith and Rita traveled to Africa with their youngest daughter (Tiffany), to see his dear lifelong friend, Mike McClaflin. Keith took his family on numerous road trips throughout the years, by loading up the motorhome bus he had built called “Dear Lodge.”
Keith had a love for antique tractors and steam engines because each one embraced their own story of history. Next time you hear a steam whistle, know it is Keith saying hello. His passing will be felt deeply in the community and especially by his many friends and cherished family.
Keith is survived by his four children and their spouses: Bryon and spouse Veesha Murray, Valerie (Murray) and spouse Mark Rentschler, Kenton and spouse Sherri Murray, Tiffany (Murray) and spouse Alain Darwich; six grandchildren: Rodney and spouse Kassi Murray, Desiree and spouse Patrick Sullivan, Wyatt Murray, Levi Murray, Matteo Darwich and Alyssa Darwich; sister Linda Murray, sister-in-law Linda “Lerdy” and brother-in-law George Knutson, sister-in-law Lori Hungerford, Lori’s beautiful daughter Kim and her three children, seven step-grandchildren and his grand puppy “Angel,” who he loved so much!
He was preceded in death by his wife Rita Murray, mother Darla Murray, father Bruce Murray, father-in-law Bob Damm, mother-in-law Dorothy Damm and brother-in law Wayne Hungerford.
In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, Keith requested that you contribute to our local Powell 4-H Club or Powell FFA in honor of him and to continue the love of agriculture for youth in our local community.
A celebration of life was held for Keith at the Crown Hill Cemetery, 676 Lane 9 in Powell, Wyoming, on Monday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Community and friends joined in the celebration of life for both Keith and Rita Murray. His wife, Rita, lost her battle to pancreatic cancer on Sept. 9, 2021 and due to the pandemic during her passing, her celebration of life ceremony was held with just family.
