At age 97 Leoral Natalie Erbe Murray passed peacefully at Robison Jewish Health Center in Portland. Known for years as “Lee” but preferring “Natalie,” Leoral was born in Bowdle, S.D., with her family eventually settling on a small farm in Tenmile, Ore. After graduating from high school she married Orin Burke Murray and moved to the Eugene and McKenze River areas.

After raising three children, Leoral worked in a variety of medical assistant roles until 1983 when, at age 60, she graduated from Clackamas Community College to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), exemplifying a work ethic she imparted to her children. She was generous, compassionate, and loved helping others until she retired at age 79.

Leoral was preceeded in death by the love of her life, Orin Burke Murray; son, Orin Richard Murray; parents, Howard John and Clara Ethel Erbe; sisters, Sue March and June Kirkpatrick; and brothers, Bill and Weston Erbe.

She is survived by daughter, Diana Murray Ness of Portland; son, Darrell Paul Murray of Walnut Creek, Calif.; son-in-law, Stan Ness; daughter-in-law, Leah Eskenazi; grandsons, Ben Murray and Jon Hayes; granddaughter, Shirene Braim; two great-grandsons, Connor and Kruse Limbocker; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins that brightened her life. She will be greatly missed, but will be warmly remembered in the hearts and minds of those who shared her life.

Tentatively, a private family celebration of life is planned for a later time. Those wishing to do so may make a memorial gift to Robison Jewish Health Center in Portland, or another charitable organization of choice.