Betty "Joan" Murrell (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Betty Joan Murrell was born February 17, 1934 in Newburg, Missouri to Vernie Howard and Effie Brumley Howard. She passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Springfield Villa in Springfield, Missouri. She was ninety-one years of age.
Joan, as she was known by family and friends, moved with her family to Iowa where she graduated from high school in Oakland, Iowa. She then located to Omaha, Nebraska.
Joan worked for a credit bureau in Omaha for many years and following her retirement, returned to Falcon. She was employed at Bennett Spring State Park in housekeeping.
On January 2, 1993 she was married to Warren “Frank” Murrell. He was also from the Falcon, Missouri area and they shared twenty-four years of wonderful memories before he passed away January 27, 2017.
In addition to Frank, Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Vernie and Effie Howard; two brothers, Vernon and Dean Howard; her sister, Ormalea Morgan; and a niece, Rachelle Howard.
She is survived by her loving sister, Carolyn Snow of Falcon, Missouri; her nieces, Jane Ashby of Omaha, Nebraska, Anita Snow of Falcon, Missouri; her nephews, Bill Snow of Lebanon, Missouri and Johnny Howard of Newburg, Missouri; as well as very special great-nieces and nephews; special friends and neighbors, Jay Johnson, Larry and Donna Barnett and Matt and Elaine Kramer; and many other extended family members and friends.
Joan will be remembered for her talent of sewing and crafting, including quilting, counted cross-stitch, needlepoint and crocheting. She made quilts and afghans for the birth of each of her nieces and nephews and their children. Joan also enjoyed gardening with Frank and assisting him with their cattle operation. She loved living on the farm where she could have chickens and numerous cats and dogs. She liked watching football and westerns on television and doing word search puzzles.
She was known for her strong faith and was a member of Benson Church of Christ in Omaha for many years. Joan always saw the very best in others. Her sweet spirit was present in her daily life.
We celebrate the profound impact she had on the lives of her family and friends. May her memory serve as a guiding light, reminding us to embrace love, kindness and faith. Joan touched many lives throughout her life. She will always be loved and truly missed.
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