Lila Jeannette Murray

Lila was born on October 23, 1932, in Argentine, Kansas, to Ada P. McBroom and Clifford A. Clark. She graduated from Oxnard Union High School in 1950 and married the love of her life, Patrick C. Murray Jr., on her 18th birthday. Together they shared nearly 52 years of marriage until his passing on September 21, 2002.

Lila was a devoted wife and a loving, hands-on mother to Anna M. (Murray) Custer, Marilyn R. (Murray) Chesbro, Patrick C. Murray III, and Jeanette M. Murray, USMC (Retired CWO). For many years, she poured her heart into her family as a full-time homemaker — serving tirelessly as cook, housekeeper, nurse, seamstress, and chauffeur — until her children were grown.

In 1974, Lila began working at St. John’s Hospital on F Street as a PBX switchboard operator, a position she held until 1985. She became the very first employee to receive the hospital’s Employee of the Year Award. Beloved by staff and physicians alike, she was known for her cheerful voice, kindness, and unfailing courtesy. Doctors would often call the operator and ask with a smile, “Is this Anna’s mom?” — a testament to the warmth she shared so freely with everyone she met.

Lila will be deeply missed by her children: Anna (Art), Marilyn (Michael), Patrick (Elise), and Jeanette; her sister Helen and her family; her grandchildren Cyrus Edsall, Alexis Pate, Lisa (Mike) Wickham, Artie Custer (Veronica), and Brent (Connie) Barbeau; and her great-grandchildren Mason, Nolan, and Shannon Wickham, Kai Perkins, Beau Galloway, and Kylie, Eleana, and Amelia Barbeau. She was preceded in death by her oldest grandson, who passed away on October 22, 2025.

In keeping with Lila’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A small graveside service for family will be held on February 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, California.

Lila’s life was defined by love, devotion, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and family that will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her.