Murray, Velma R.

Velma Rierson Murray, 83, of Clovis, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005, at Plains Regional Medical Center.

She was born Feb. 22, 1922, in the old Baptist Hospital in Clovis to George Madison and Alpha Omega Rierson. Her father and four brothers were early pioneers who homesteaded in north Curry County between 1905 and 1911 before New Mexico’s statehood. She was an insurance adjuster for many years before retirement and an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Alter Society. She and her husband owned the Aztec Bowl, Clovis Taxi and Ambulance Services.

Family members said she left many close friends and bridge club associates in Clovis and the surrounding area.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Murray, mayor of Clovis for 12 years; her parents; a brother, Dallas Rierson; and a sister, Dessie Langston.

Survivors include two sons, Frank Murray (and wife, Minnie) of Santa and George Murray of Albuquerque; a sister, Emily Marchman of Iowa City, Iowa; a brother, Chester Rierson of Clovis; two grandchildren, Frank Murray of Albuquerque and Rainbow Higgins of Norman, Okla.; two great-grandchildren, Alex Murray and Hunter Higgins; and a host of nephews and nieces.

Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home of Clovis.