Denna McMurray

Denna Adele (Sharpe) McMurray, age 93, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, October 10, 2025 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born on August 26, 1932, in Morris, Illinois. She graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1950 and the Grand Rapids Baptist Bible Institute in 1952. 

Denna married Rev. Rex McMurray on August 15, 1952, and celebrated 73 years of marriage – a testament to their unwavering love and devotion. Denna faithfully served in ministry alongside her husband, Rex, for 25 years in various churches in Michigan. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher, coordinated many summer Vacation Bible School programs, and directed annual children’s Christmas programs. Her family remembers her talent as an excellent seamstress, her fond love of chocolate and Culver’s, and her joy of collecting hundreds of whimsical snowmen figurines.

 She is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Rex McMurray; her son, David (Pamela) McMurray and daughter Karen (Daniel) Whitaker; her two sons-in-law Dr. Don Gommesen and Ken Koetsier; her 12 grandchildren: Rachel (Greg) Rossano, Hannah Gommesen, Bethany Vallerie, David Gommesen, Andrew Koetsier, Chad McMurray, Kathryn McMurray, Benjamin (Veronica) McMurray, Joshua McMurray, Mark (Beth) Whitaker, Stephen (Tara) Whitaker, and Andrea (Anteneh) Mekonnen; and 17 great-grandchildren; Jonathan, Daniel and Kaitlyn Rossano; Breaden Vallerie; Audrey, Elijah and Hudson Koetsier, Kerrigan McMurray, Jaydon Whitaker, Brooklyn and Ashley Cooper; Kiera, Chloe, Clint and Karly Whitaker; Zakai and Maya Mekonnen. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew Sharpe and Elizabeth (Eagan) Sharpe Hafner; her daughters, Kathleen Gommesen and Kaylyn Koetsier and her sisters and brothers-in-laws, Dorothy (Bud) Skole and Virginia (Tom) Pickering. She is also survived by close family friends Tom and Janet Uminn and family. She is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, whom she served so faithfully. 

A Funeral Service to honor Denna’s life will be held at Winkel Funeral Home (207 E Allegan Street, Otsego, MI 49078) on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 1 pm with visitation from 12pm til the time of the service.. Burial will be immediately after at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, MI.

www.winkelfuneralhome.com