Debra L. Murray
(July 16, 1957 – March 10, 2016)

Debra Lee Murray was born July 16, 1957 at Clay Center, Kansas to James Craig and Maxine Veda (Kopfer) Horsfall. She died suddenly Thursday morning, March 10, 2016 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas, ending a life of 58 years, 7 months, and 23 days.
Deb as she was known, moved around with her family a lot during her childhood years. The family eventually remained in Kensington, Kansas where she graduated from high school.
After high school, she worked for several years as a nurse’s aide. She then enrolled at North Central Kansas Area Vocational Technical School and took business administration courses.
For twenty-nine years, Deb was the office manager at Hilltop Lodge. This was a perfect fit for her as she loved people, understood the art and science of patient care while utilizing her business management skills. She loved her job, the residents, and her colleagues and was always there for them.
On December 21, 1991, she married Kenneth Lynn Murray at Zion Lutheran Church and they made their home in Simpson, Kansas. For a time, they both worked at Hilltop Lodge until an accident forced him to quit. Kenneth died on September 30, 2012.
Besides her work, Deb loved life to the fullest. She was a person of genuine kindness and generosity. Her family was of paramount importance to her as she deeply loved her grandson Jerry Murray and was proud of her late stepson Joel who died in the Iraq War. Deb had many other passions which were the KC Royals, Denver Broncos, NASCAR and drag racing. She was an accomplished bowler and had many online friends with whom she played computer games. All who knew her treasured her sense of humor and unforgettable, infectious laugh.
Deb was a faithful and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church and served in many capacities.
Her parents, husband Kenneth, and stepson Joel Murray preceded her in death.
Left to mourn her untimely death are her stepchildren Kelly Caballero and husband Luis of Fort Collins, Colorado, Erin MacKenzie and husband David of Indiana, a daughter-in-law Maricel Murray of Junction City, Kansas; two brothers Scott Horsfall and wife Jana (Williamson) of Hays, Phil Horsfall and wife Kerrie (Doris) of Great Bend; seven grandchildren including Jerry Murray of Junction City; nephews and nieces: Kellen (Angela) Horsfall, Kyle (Caitlin) Horsfall, Laura Horsfall and Kristin Horsfall along with many relatives and countless friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church burial following in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that memorials be given to Zion Lutheran Church or the Wounded Warrior Project. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the McDonald Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:30 P.M.until 7:30 P.M.