Ara Lee McMurray, 96, of Valier, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 9:05 A.M., Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Ara Lee worked in clerical work at the Du Quoin State Bank for over 20 years.  She was a homemaker, a member of the Valier First Baptist Church, Red Hatters, and Valier Women's Club.  She enjoyed painting and collecting stamps and coins.
She was born September 23, 1927 in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of Le Roy and Lottie (Wheeler) Duckworth.
Ara Lee married Kenneth Dean McMurray on February 3, 1946 in Du Quoin, IL and he preceded her in death on October 13, 2008.
She is survived by her son - Paul Dean McMurray and wife Lynn of West Frankfort, two daughters -in-law - Becky McMurray of Valier and Kristy McMurray of Valier, one grandson - Timothy McMurray of Valier, five granddaughters - Kasey Shurtz of Sesser, Leslie Meadows of Sesser, Janie McMurray of Sesser, Kimber McMurray of Sesser and Haley Stroud of Benton, eight great grandsons and great granddaughters - Hayden McMurray, Liam McMurray, Jude McMurray, Paxton Shurtz, Abram Shurtz, Sadie Shurtz, Logan Meadows and Knoxx Stroud, and several nieces and nephews.
Ara Lee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons - Bruce Alan McMurray and Ronnie Kent McMurray, two brothers - Wheeler Duckworth and Roy Gene Duckworth, and one sister - Marguerite Holloway.
Funeral Services will be at 3:00 P.M., Friday, March 15, 2024 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bro. Alan Minton Officiating.
Friends may call from 1P.M. until the time of service on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.