Shirley Mae Murray-Peyton

Shirley Mae Murray-Peyton, age 89, of Wheaton, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St Gerard's Community Nursing Home in Hankinson, North Dakota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton with Fr. John Paul Knopik as Celebrant. Visitation will be held Monday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Pallbearers will be Nathanial Weick, Jason Pearson, Grant Pearson, Seth Murray, Austin Ellingson, Ethan Streich, Will McCarthy, Jason Schulz, and Kelly Peyton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Shirley's Grandchildren.

Shirley Mae Murray-Peyton was born on December 6, 1936, in Wheaton, Minnesota, to Frank and Clara (Koob) Hunder. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith, which remained an important and guiding part of her life.

Shirley attended country school before graduating from Wheaton High School in 1954. She grew up on the family farm with her older brother Jim and her sister Terry, where everyone learned early how to work hard, share space, and keep up the pace.

In 1957, Shirley married Vernon Murray, and together they were blessed with five children: Randall, Lynn, Lori, Mary Jo, and Karen. Shirley stayed home until the youngest started school, fully embracing the busy and demanding role of raising a large family. Once the kids were off to school, Shirley began a long and dedicated career at the Traverse County Courthouse, where she worked for more than 30 years. Over the years, she held positions with the Highway Department, Clerk of Courts, and ultimately the DMV—becoming someone who seemed to know everyone, or at least their parents. Shirley devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Vernon passed away in 1989.

After Vern’s passing, Shirley enjoyed traveling on numerous bus trips with friends, seeing new places, sharing laughter, and making memories along the way. Those trips were filled with stories, camaraderie, and plenty of fun-proof that Shirley believed life was meant to be lived fully, especially when shared with good company.

Shirley was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Ave Maria Ladies Guild, enjoyed the friendships of her Bunco Club, TOPS Club, and Red Hats Club, was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, and remained a lifelong supporter of 4-H. She never liked to miss her 9:00 a.m. coffee group – always staying up to date on the latest town happenings – or an opportunity to play bingo. These groups reflected what Shirley valued most: faith, friendship, a little fun, and staying connected.

In 1998 Shirley married William “Bill” Peyton, and together they embraced a new season of adventure. They traveled the country with their fifth wheeler, discovering new places and collecting memories along the way, before eventually becoming winter snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona. There, they spent many happy years enjoying the warm weather and the company of new friends who quickly became family. Shirley and Bill also spent many Saturday nights hosting at Billy’s Bar, where they welcomed friends and familiar faces with warmth and good humor. Bill passed away in 2009, but the joy of those years remained close to Shirley’s heart.

She was also a wonderful cook, the kind who never needed a recipe and never measured a thing. She was especially known for her potato salad, which somehow tasted better at every family gathering and will be forever unmatched.

Shirley Mae Murray-Peyton lived a full life. She was funny, quick-witted, and told it like it was. She was the glue that held her family together—whether anyone realized it at the time or not. Shirley especially enjoyed giving people a hard time, and if she teased you, you knew you were loved. She will be remembered for that always.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Clara Hunder; her husbands: Vernon Murray and William “Bill” Peyton; her brother, James Koob; and her grandson, Nicholas Murray Weick.

She is survived by her five children and their families:

Randall Murray, daughters Heather (Shawn) Blahosky and their children, Wyatt (McKenna) and Autumn (Devin); Anna (Nate) Gaffaney and their children, Meghan (Ben) Beise, Ben (Ana), Madison, and Ella; Amanda Ramirez and her children, Aleisia, Alejandro, Elianna, and Grace.

Lynn Smith, daughters Sarah Murray and her children, Seth (Kira), Sasha (Christian) Barrera – (Baby girl due March 2026 – first Great-Great-Grandchild), and Austin Ellingson; Emily (Channing) Elhert.

Lori (Bryan) Weick, children, Nathanial (Meredith), and their children, Hailey and Nicholas; Elizabeth (Jason) Schulz.

Mary Jo (Mark) Pearson, children Jason (Kristina) and their daughters, Elliott and Collins; Brittany (Kelsey) Allen and their son, Braxton; Grant (Allie).

Karen (Brad) Larson, daughters Meghan (Will) McCarthy and their daughters, Roseanna, Evelyn, and Wren; McKenna (Ethan) Streich and their daughter, Kate.

Sister: Terry (Kat) Hunder.

Five Stepchildren and their families:

Chris (Greg) Christen, Mike (Patty) Peyton, Pat (LeAnn) Peyton, Tom (Mary) Peyton, Rob (Megan) Peyton. eleven Grandchildren and nineteen Great-grandchildren.