Sandra Murray

With a heavy heart, we share the news of the passing of Sandra Lynne Murray, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Sandra was 84 years old and passed away peacefully at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Sandra was born on September 2, 1939, in San Diego, CA, to Vern and Dorothy (Davies) Gehringer. She attended public school in San Diego and graduated from Mission Bay High School in 1957. Sandra continued her education at The University of California in Riverside for a year.

In 1958, Sandra married a young Marine serving at Camp Pendleton, Nelson Whittfield Murray, in San Diego, CA. Together, they had three children, Jeffery, Jennifer, and Jerold, and adopted their daughter, Heather. Sandra dedicated her life to raising her children and was a devoted and loving mother.

Sandra also cared for scores of foster children from 1 to 18, sharing her home and family and providing a loving environment for over 20 years. Her selfless service and love were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Sandra was also a devoted and supportive wife to Nelson – who ultimately climbed to the top of the California Department of Justice as the Chief of Investigations. They finished their career with Nelson leading the California Lottery in Sacramento. Nelson & Sandra still held hands and loved each other very much until last week.

In retirement, Sandra and Nelson bought an RV and traveled around the country for almost ten years. They visited and lived in many states and particularly enjoyed living in Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. Later, they settled in Sioux Falls, SD, to be closer to their family.

Sandra had many passions in life, including reading, board games, card games, spending time outdoors, and yard work. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grand and great-grandkids, whom she adored. She loved to attend any baseball, soccer, or concert and plays of the grandkids. Sandra cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother and created lasting memories with all of them.

We will deeply miss Sandra, but her memory will live on through the love and joy she brought to those around her. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many and will be remembered with great fondness.

Grateful for having shared her life are her loving husband of 65 years, Nelson Murray of Sioux Falls; children, Jeff (Debbie) Murray of Tierra Verde, FL, Jennifer (Michael) Herrmann of Troy, ID, Jerry (Sue) Murray of Newcastle, CA, and Heather Murray of Sacramento, CA; 13 grandchildren, Monique (Nick) Lupkes, Matthew (Justine) Murray, Malinda Murray, Gage (Shaina) Herrmann, Russell Herrmann, Bradley (Anna) Herrmann, Jeffrey (Casey) Murray, Brandon (Arya) Murray, Kelli (Walker) Exstrom, Amy (Brennan) Pomares, Elizabeth Enloe, Christina Stahr, and Alexandria Stahr; 19 great-grandchildren; and sister, Donna (Gary) Gillette.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and beloved grandmother Mamie (Nana) Davies.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.