Sheila Kathleen Murray

Sheila Kathleen (Baker) Murray, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, educator, rancher, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at the age of 83.

Sheila was born on February 6, 1943, in Custer, South Dakota. During her childhood and youth, she also made her home in Plankinton and Mitchell, South Dakota, and Chadron, Nebraska. In Chadron, she attended Assumption Academy and began her college education at Chadron State College. It was during those years that she met the love of her life, Larry Murray. They married in August 1960, beginning a family and a devoted partnership that would span 61 years.

Soon after their marriage, Sheila and Larry moved with their young family to Lander, Wyoming, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and enduring love. For many years, they worked side by side ranching beneath the Owl Creek Mountains, meeting life’s challenges with perseverance and devotion. Together, they developed a deep connection to the land, raised their family, and became part of a community they were proud to call home. Their love was deep, their devotion true, and the bond they shared will endure beyond their earthly lives.

Even while raising a family and working, Sheila never gave up on her dream of completing her education. Through years of attending school part time and balancing the responsibilities of family life, she persevered and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1986. Her accomplishment reflected the determination, patience, and quiet strength that defined so much of her life.

As a gifted and compassionate educator, Sheila taught at Wyoming Indian Elementary School, where she touched the lives of generations of children. Her classroom was a place of patience, encouragement, and possibility. She believed deeply in her students and helped them recognize their own worth and potential. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, and many carried her lessons throughout their lives.

Sheila’s life was defined by the steadfast care she gave to others. She possessed a quiet strength, a generous heart, and an indomitable spirit. Whether caring for her family, encouraging a student, supporting a friend, or lending a helping hand, she had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Her Catholic faith was a pillar of her life. It guided her decisions, sustained her through hardship, and deepened her gratitude during times of joy. She lived her faith not only through prayer, but through kindness, compassion, humility, and service to others.

Above all else, Sheila cherished her family. She was the proud mother of five children, grandmother of twelve, and great-grandmother of ten. Her family was her greatest joy and the heart of her life. She treasured the time they spent together and took great pride in each generation. The love, wisdom, faith, strength, and traditions she passed along will remain an enduring part of her legacy.

Sheila is survived by her children: Bridgette Baker and her husband, Troy, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Robert Murray and his wife, Sandy, of Riverton, Wyoming; William Murray and his wife, Kim, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Scott Murray and his wife, Shannon, of Annapolis, Maryland; and Shawn Murray of Lander, Wyoming.

She is also survived by her siblings Jackie Newell, Joan McCarthy, Mary Cochran, and Michael Baker; her twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her presence.

Sheila was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Murray; her grandson, Brett; her father, John Baker; and her mother, Helene Phillips.

Sheila will be remembered not only for all she accomplished, but for the way she lived—with faith, grace, courage, perseverance, and an open heart. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the students she encouraged, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives made better simply because she was part of them. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain with all who knew her and will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

A Rosary will be held at Hudson's Funeral Home, 680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, Wyoming, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. A public viewing will follow the Rosary and continue until 8:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 163 Leedy Drive, Lander, Wyoming, on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

The family warmly invites everyone to join them for refreshments and an ice cream bar following the burial at Boseke Hall at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Please sign the online guestbook at hudsonsfh.com.