Twila M. Murray

Twila Mae (Kinderknecht) Murray, 90, was born December 9, 1934 in Sherman County, Kansas to Anton and Otillia Kinderknecht. Twila was the seventh of eight children in her family. She would share many fond memories of growing up on a farm and all the adventures her and her siblings would have. She completed high school in Sherman County and this is where she would also meet the love of her life, Milton Murray.

Twila graduated High School in May of 1952 and in July of 1952, her and Milton were married in Goodland, Kansas. To this union, 4 sons were born. Rick, Roger, Rex and Ron. Milton and Twila raised their children on the Murray farm and remained there throughout their lives, except for a couple of years early in their marriage when they moved to Climax, Colorado for Milton to work. Twila always loved living on the farm. She enjoyed the quietness. She enjoyed working in her yard and going for long walks down the road. Her greatest accomplishment in life was raising her boys. She always said she was happiest when they were with her. She could usually be found at their events, cheering them on and later, enjoyed watching grandchildren and great grandchildren, too. As everyone became adults, it wasn’t uncommon for her to stop by with some food and treats, just because. Somehow she could make the most common foods seems extra special. It must have been the extra love she put into everything for her family. A special tradition throughout the years was making authentic German food for Christmas. The food she grew up with soon became a favorite of the next generations. She did a good job of teaching her family so the tradition will carry on. 

Twila’s strong faith was the foundation of her life. She was so thankful to know Jesus. When she said she would pray for you, you knew she meant it. She loved to share Jesus with her friends and family and she was looking forward to Heaven. Twila always loved music. She grew up in a very musical family and she carried that with her throughout her life. She had a beautiful voice and she played piano by ear. She would often write new lyrics to songs. She loved when her family would join her around the piano and sing.

Milton and Twila enjoyed weekends at the lake- camping, boating and fishing. As their boys got older, they were a motorcycle family and traveled all over the United States- Twila with Milton and then each boy on their own motorcycles. Milton and Twila were very involved in AA and Al-Anon for over 4 decades, traveling to many communities to speak and share how the program had changed their lives. Some of their deepest friendships were formed at those meetings and AA campouts.

At times, Twila worked off the farm. As one of her jobs, her and her sister Thelma owned and operated an ice cream shop called the ‘Whistle Stop’ in Goodland. This business brought a lot of hard work and even better memories. They enjoyed the local customers, and they also met lots of people that were traveling through. They were quite popular with the children because of their bubblegum ice cream.

In later years, Twila was an avid bowler. She went to many big cities for National bowling tournaments with her bowling girls. She would giggle as she told all the stories. Wherever life took her, she enjoyed the adventures but enjoyed being back home on the farm even more. She said there was no better place to be. Twila remained on the farm throughout her last years of life until the moment she went to meet Jesus.

Twila is survived by her sister, Thelma Mills of Abilene, Kansas. 4 sons- Rick (Karla) Murray, Goodland Kansas. Roger (Wendy) Murray, Garden City Kansas. Rex (Sandi) Murray, St. Francis Kansas. Ron Murray, Goodland Kansas. Grandchildren Travis Murray, Matt (Michelle) Murray, Cory (Maria) Murray, Mike (Britany) Murray, Ryan Murray, Jeremy (Melissa) Murray, Crystal (Travis) Ludowese, Cassie Murray (Spencer Windell), Hailey Murray (Joe Yarbrough), Tucker (Kaitlyn) Murray and 22 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband of 60 years, Milton Murray, parents Anton and Otillia Kinderknecht, Father and Mother in-law Ralph and Ruby Murray, 4 Brothers- Hubert the 1st, Melvin, Hubert the 2nd and Robert Kinderknecht and 2 sisters, Lillian Harding and Verda Scheck.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Twila Murray Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.