Georgiann Mcmurtry

Georgiann McMurtry, age 84, died Friday, November 25, 2011, in Chico, CA of pneumonia. Georgiann was known for her kindness, dignity, generosity, love of family, and love of God. Georgiann was born April 17, 1927, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Anna Laura Evans Richardson and Preston Richardson. Georgiann had a very happy early childhood in Hot Springs, surrounded by her mother's extended family. In 1937, Laura married Lon Dalton, a farmer from Gridley, CA. Laura and Georgiann moved to Lon's farm in Gridley. Georgiann attended Gridley Union High School, where she served as student body president. She was also the Worthy Advisor of the Gridley Chapter of Rainbow Girls. Upon graduation from high school, Georgiann attended University of Pacific in Stockton, CA. On August 18, 1946, Georgiann married William McMurtry, who had recently returned from military service in World War II. Georgiann and William settled in Gridley. The couple started a family. They had two daughters, Gail Anne and Loyce Jean. Georgiann had an active social life and many friends. She was one of the founders and a past president of the Gridley Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a service organization. She was very active in her children's lives and supported all of their activities, serving as a room mother and a Camp Fire Girls Leader. Each summer, Georgiann vacationed with friends and family at Lake Madrone. For several years, Georgiann worked as a medical transcriptionist for Dr. Paul Bartschi and Dr. Adrian Sears. In 1983, William retired and the family relocated to Chico, CA. Georgiann enjoyed retirement and she and William traveled extensively. Some of their destinations included Australia, China, Russia, Alaska, Canada, the Panama Canal, and the British Isles. They toured all the capitols of the European Continent. Georgiann and William spent a month each winter in Carefree, Arizona. Georgiann loved the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful weather in Carefree. Georgiann found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren. She and William took the grandchildren on many vacations and faithfully attended almost all of the children's activities and sporting events. The greatest tragedy of her life was the death of her daughter, Gail McMurtry Lucas, in 1980. Georgiann is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William G. McMurtry; her daughter, Loyce (Donald) Camy, son-in-law, Peter (Robin) Lucas; grandchildren, Elizabeth (R.J.) Blackwell, Morgan Camy, and William Camy. She is also survived by her first great-grandchild, Morgan Georgiann (Gigi) Blackwell, who was born June 2, 2011. Georgiann was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Laura Dalton, and her daughter, Gail McMurtry Lucas. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church, 228 Salem Street, Chico, CA 95928. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Georgiann's name, to St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brusie Funeral Home.