In Memory

Diane Walstad (Murrell) VIEW PROFILE

July 12, 1940 - October 25, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY

Carolyn Diane Murrell, known to all as Diane, born July 12, 1940, in Paragould, Arkansas, went to live eternally with her heavenly father on October 25, 2014 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Diane was a woman of noble character; and a devoted Christian wife, mother, and grandmother. Diane exemplified all of the characteristics and qualities of the "Virtuous Wife" of Proverbs 31. Diane was married to her husband, Bob Murrell, for fifty-one years. She graduated from Hobbs, NM high school with many academic honors. She attended Texas Christian University on an academic scholarship for two years. She then earned her Physical Therapy degree from Oklahoma University. Following graduation, she worked for University Hospital in Oklahoma City, serving many patients who were disabled and ill. Upon the birth of the first of her three daughters, she became a full time wife and mother for the remainder of her life. Throughout her lifetime, she enjoyed serving the many needs of others within her family, community and church. She was a faithful member of Central Church of Christ in Moore, OK for 48 years, where she supported her husband, Bob, as an elder's wife for 36 years. She eagerly shared her Bible knowledge and love for God; and she personified the qualities of Christ in all that she did. She had a special gift of sending cards of thanks and encouragement to her friends and family. Her gift of hospitality brought many people together as she hosted numerous bridal and baby showers, parties, socials, and family holidays. Diane often visited the elderly and sick in their homes, and in the hospital, while exhibiting love and empathy for others. She will be remembered for her joyful enthusiasm during the Christmas holidays, when she decorated their home with such flare.

Diane was predeceased by her parents Jack and Connie Walstad and her brother Bill Cannon. She is survived by her husband, Bob Murrell; and daughters, Shannon Smith of Tulsa, Jill Shelton of Canyon, Texas, and Wendi Murrell of Tulsa; sons-in-law, Philip Smith and Van Shelton; grandchildren, Mitchel Knight, Meredith Knight, Chloe Shelton, Sophie Shelton, and Cecilia Murrell; sister, Martha Bass, and brother, Mike Walstad; and sisters-in-law, Jan White and Allison Walstad. There are far too many relatives and friends to acknowledge by name, but Diane's family will be forever grateful for the care and treatment provided by Dr. Katherine Moxley and the other doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Stevenson Cancer Center, as well as OU Medical Center, and Frontier Hospice. Without their careful treatment and genuine concern for Diane, her illness would have been much more difficult to bear.

Services to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at 10:00 A.M. at the Moore Central Church of Christ, 800 E. Main, Moore, OK 73160. Interment following at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Viewing and Visitation will be held on Monday & Tuesday from 4-8 PM, the family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary at South Lakes, 4000 SW 119th, OKC 73173. Visit vondelsmithmortuary.com to share a memory or leave a condolence for the family.

Published in The Oklahoman on October 27, 2014.





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