Karen Roy Murray was one of eight children, growing up in and around Fremont, Ohio.
Karen met the love of her life, Craig Murray, while teaching an aerobics class; he was in the police force at the time. In 1996 came Tanner Roy and in 1997 Michael Cullen. In 2000 her two children walked before her at their parent’s wedding.
Karen holds two degrees: an associate in Marketing from Terra Community College and her bachelor’s in Business Administration from Tiffin University. She earned her bachelors in 2007, while her husband was on an 18-month long deployment, she was managing two kids and a dog, and while she was also working full time.
She worked at Key Bank for 23 years and had immense pride in her job. She dominated her work and was continuously promoted in her field. She was equal parts compassion and determination. Her strength spurred her to climb the Key Bank ladder, and her softness made her a great leader. Her charisma drew people to her, even if it was just to talk about banking.
She also loved to be active, especially when it involved a long walk in the woods with the dogs. Another love of hers was going to Hocking Hills with her husband and hiking endless miles of trails (but Craig goes first, “to break through the spider webs”).
Karen found strength, peace, and wisdom from studying her Bible and speaking with God. She prayed often and knew that a special spot in Heaven awaited her.
Her strength was, in part, drawn from her mother, a single mom with little means. Her strength worked her through college. It helped her hold down the fort when Craig was away. It brought her through cancer treatments. It was instilled in her two children, who would go on to do difficult and brave things in faraway places, both serving in the United States Air Force.
It’s her softness that made her cry during the ending of “Forrest Gump” and made Craig book the second date. It’s her softness that led friends and family to call her when they needed an empathetic ear. It’s why she always had a dog, or two, sitting at her feet. It’s her softness that led her to pour out her heart into prayer journals, and encourage every person in her path.
Without Karen, there will be an empty space in a workplace, in a household, in a family. But Karen has been an example of love, perseverance, and piety for 52 years — and that’s not going to stop now.
Karen is preceded in death by her mother, Laletta Kay Roy.
She is survived by her husband Craig Murray, her daughter Tanner Roy Murray, son Michael Cullen Murray; dogs Dutch and Beanz; siblings, Thomas (Kimberly) Roy, Kenneth (Linda) Roy, Janet Dukeshire, John Roy, Jacqueline Smith, Jason (Melissa) Roy, Rebecca (Mark Wilber) Roy and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH 43420. A private burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery, Helena, OH.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Organization for Women at www.now.org.
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Joseph Bogoni
Craig,
My heart is breaking for you and your family. Stay strong brother, as I know you will.
Toni.
1-148 Infantry Regiment Family
The 1-148 Infantry Battalion sends their deepest condolences to SGM Murray, Tanner and Mike. Karen was a beacon of strength and kindness. Words cannot describe the thanks for her service to our BN through SGM. Her legacy in you three is undeniable.
Daphne Davis
Karen had an amazing spirit. She is completely missed, she knew God!
My prayers are with the entire family!
arlinda lewis
Prayers and strength to the family. I got the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady many years ago while working with her sister Jackie at Foodtown . May God find strength for the family at this difficult time.
Arlinda Lewis
irene prater
Karen will be missed dearly she was a wonderful person had a heart of gold my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family she will be missed love Irene Prater
Christy Gale
Karen had amazing energy, compassion, and strength. She loved God, her family, and no one will ever be the same after knowing her. She is deeply missed, but I know I’ll see her again. My prayers for you, Craig, and for Tanner and Michael.
Christine Connor
What an amazing woman! My heart goes out to your family. She will surely be missed. Mama is not alone now.
Cindy & David Emerine
Karen was an amazing, sweet person. She will be sorely missed. Praying for comfort for the family in this most difficult time.
Love to All,
Cindy & David Emerine
Amber Eutsey
She will forever be my BOSS LADY!!! She gave me an opportunity that NOBODY WOULD HAVE THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT. I will be forever THANKFUL for her she didn’t see color or gender she seen TALENT!! She was faithful and we always said…..JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL!! RIP KRM LUV YA GIRL!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Janet Sutter-Prescott
Karen touched my life from the beginning of middle school. Her laugh her smile infectious and compassionate. Her caring and giving personality made the world a much better place. I didnt always have her in my life but when I did it was like she
Never left. I will miss her and know she is in God’s hands. God bless her family and give them the strength they need to get through this.
Laurie H
I worked with Karen when she was in Cleveland. She is such a kind, energetic person that made work fun and put everyone around her in a good mood. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Craig, Tanner, and Mike,
We are heartbroken about your loss. Karen was a true warrior. Strong in spirit, but blessed with an unmatched kindness and compassion for others. She was a light to everyone she came in contact with. She will be truly missed. We are always here for each of you and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, veterans and families
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
OHARNG AGR Branch
CSM Murray,
The OHARNG AGR Branch sends it’s deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this time of great loss.
CW5 Scott.
Phil Knuth
Craig,
I cannot adequately express my sympathy, prayers for you and your family, and sadness that you have to face this. The brotherhood has you in their thoughts and prayers and wish we could somehow help. With deepest fidelity and love, I’m so sorry.
Phil Knuth
Lee Smith
Sorry for you lose. Prayer are with you and your family.
SFC Stephen (Freddy) Frederick
SGM Murray,
Although we served only for a short together in the 1-145th your leadership has impacted me greatly. I was brokenhearted to hear of your wife’s passing. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now. As a husband I can only imagine how I would feel if I had this happen to my wife.
SGM my thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. I know many people say this in times of need in a sympathetic attempt to comfort their friends in times of need. However, I truly means this….If you need anything at all, or if there is anything I can do to assist you during this time, please please never hesitate to call on me. I am at your service for anything you may need. You have the love of my family and I anytime you need it.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Brian Hartley
Craig
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time.
Brian
Courtney Kennedy
Karen Roy Murray AKA KRM will be missed at Key Bank. She was a strong leader, a motivator, and an influential person. She took pride in everything she did and was passionate about banking. She would take charge of the room and her perseverance was contagious. I will miss her voice, her knowledge, her hard work, and her dedication. We were lucky to have her on our team and I pray for her family throughout this difficult time. I know she is up there probably talking about mortgage rates, retirement planning, or leading with impact. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
The Call Family
Craig,
I am so very sorry for you, Tanner and Michael. The Call family is grieving with you and your family and we wish you nothing but strength and perseverance as you honor the memory of Karen. Focus on all the joy you shared together as a family and know that she will forever live in those moments in your heart. Please let us know if we can help with anything.
Chris, Katy, Grace and Sofia Call
Margret S
Craig,
I am at a loss for words…completely heartbroken for you and your family. Lifting you, Tanner, Michael and all those that hold Karen close to their hearts in my prayers as you work through your grief and loss. Karen was a light and truly a spirited woman that touched so many!
Margret
& Rob Szymanski
David F Winfield
Craig this was the last news I expected to hear. I am absolutely speechless over the loss of Karen. Please give Tanner and Michael a hug for me. Also know I am here for you should you want to get together and catch up.
Gregory A Fitch
We are so sorry for the loss to the Murray family. We all share your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gregory and Yuko Fitch
Mindy & John Calhoun
Karen was an amazing woman who was always kind with a smile on her face and very helpful! Many prayers for you and your family may you find the peace you need.
Jen Horning Cochran
Craig,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the heartbreak that you are experiencing. Sending prayers, love and hugs to you.
Sincerely, Jen Horning
Carol
Craig, Tanner & Michael So sorry for your loss, I worked with Karen for a long time at the Wakeman Keybank office, always had a lot of fun. I been thinking all week about some of the fun times we had and I think the funniest thing she did was call me one day after she had left our office and ask me what day she got married because she knew I was there. She told me she could not remember the date. That sounds like her!
Please know you are in our prayers.
Wakeman Keybank Branch
Todd Brewster
Craig,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Ed & Bev Pedrosa
An earth angel is now an angel in heaven.
Thoughts and prayers to all of Karen’s family.
Wayne Mushett
Craig and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you and the family as you grieve this tragic loss.
Wayne Mushett
Bryan Brown
SMG Murray
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during your time of loss, may you draw strength from Karen’s faith in Christ
thru 1Thessalonians 4:13
“Your Brother In Arms”
Bryan Brown 1SG (R)
Mark Knierim
Craig and family –
My deepest sympathies in Karen’s passing. I worked with her since 1998 at KeyBank and throughly enjoyed her passion, commitment and sense of humor. While she loved her work, I always knew that family and faith were at her core. I will always remember her with fondness. She always glowed when she talked about you.
Prayers and blessings through this time.
Chad Layne
Craig,
I am truly heartbroken for your loss. I know your resilience will keep you strong through these painful days, but always know you have friends to lean on. I love you bro.
Chad Layne
Tanner and Michael,
I only knew your mom as your dad’s wife. The one thing I can tell you is that she was always a better person than either of us and tried her best to be the voice of reason when we were making bad decisions as young men often do. I can only imagine the grief that your feeling, and want you both to know you are in my thoughts. I sincerely pray your grief is short lived so that celebrating your mom’s memories can fill your heart.
The Federspiels
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” An Irish proverb I came across that I wanted to share.
Today hurts, and we truly are sorry. Karen’s memory lives in you and your kids…share the memories and remember the good times. We are hear to lean on.
The Federspiels
Laura Harig
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
I will miss Karen’s energy and passion. May she RIP.
-former colleague from KeyBank
Craig Murray
Thank you Miss Karen for a great life. I am so proud of you. Thanks to all for their support.
Brian Whitten
SGM Murray and Family,
Please accept our most sincere and heart felt condolences to you and your family. Jennifer and I are so sorry for your lost and want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Brian and Jennifer Whitten
Brandon Lewis
Craig, Tanner, and Michael,
I first met Karen a few months ago when I started at key. She was immediately welcoming and we hit it off well. Her energy was remarkable.
She made a special trip to my branch and spent a few hours helping me get my bearings with the systems. She was not in my direct line of business so she had no obligation to do this. She was very passionate about making sure my team was successful.
Later on Karen again took her time to help me plan a conference call. She really went out of her way to ensure I didn’t make a fool of myself. I will greatly miss relying on her for help and guidance. She was a great person to have in your corner.
A few weeks ago we were at a meeting and Karen made a point to say hello to me and gave me the kindest smile and warmest greeting. That is what I will miss the most. I am very sorry that your family has had to endure this loss. Karen made an immediate and lasting impact on those around her.
Trevor M
May the peace that only God gives comfort you all.
R.I.P Karen,
Trevor