Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Lige Murray, age 73, of Jordan.

August 19, 1948 – November 15, 2021

Lige Mack Murray passed away the evening of Monday, November 15, 2021, as a result of injuries suffered in a 4-wheeler accident at the ranch in Jordan, Montana. He was surrounded by his family and friends in his final hours. Lige was 73 years old.

Lige was born August 19, 1948 in Georgetown, Texas to Jack Rushing Murray and Francis Helen Love Murray. Lige was the oldest of four children.
Lige grew up on the family ranch in Georgetown, Texas. He shared stories of hunting and fishing, and rock fights with cousins. After High School, Lige attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas. At college, Lige met his partner for his life’s journey, Mary Ann Walker. Lige and Mary Ann were married January 3, 1970. Lige and Mary Ann welcomed their first son, Lige Walker Murray, right before graduating from college and moving to Montana in 1971.

Once in Montana, Lige worked on several ranches in Eastern Montana before moving to Miles City to work on his parents’ ranch south of town. These were special years for Lige as he met many folks that became valued friends, mentors, and business relationships for the rest of his life. During this time Lige and Mary Ann welcomed their next two sons, JC and Walter Murray.

In 1983, Lige had an opportunity to lease his own place from George Severson. With this opportunity the family moved to Jordan to begin the adventure that would be home for Lige for the rest of his life. Lige and family worked the ranch in Jordan raising cattle, sheep, grain, and hay. Lige sought ways to continue to develop and improve the ranch in many ways. As many who knew him this became a ranch that brought him great pride. Lige was actively involved helping the boys through 4-H and sports. He enjoyed a game of Mexican Train with family and friends whenever he could sneak one in. Lige had to be watch as he was not above trying to play an extra rock.

In 2019, Lige and Mary Ann sold their cow herd and began retirement. They purchased a motor home and traveled south to spend time with family and friends. Their wanderings brought them to Skyline Ranch RV Park in Bandera, Texas. Lige and Mary Ann enjoyed the change of scenery and better winter temperatures. They would return to Montana in the spring, allowing Lige to remain active with the ranch. Even though he was not shy about telling Walt and Cord he was taking a “retirement day” when the weather was not too agreeable. However, he was always willing to lend a helping hand up to his last day.

Lige is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann; his sons Lige (Kim) of Amarillo, TX, JC (Jodi) of Bozeman, Walter (Angela) of Miles City; Special cousin Dee (Karen) Murray of Miles City; as well as siblings Bill (Arla Jean) Murray of Miles City, Diaz (Laura) Murray of Witchita Falls, TX, Mary Helen (Ron) Mitchell of Fulshear, TX. In addition, he was blessed with surviving grandchildren Reed (Jade), Hanna, Cord (MaryAnn), Gage, Ava, Jack, Greyson, Wyatt (Victoria) Walkowski, Dru Walkowski; grandson in law Tony Thompson; and great grandchildren Kota, Monte, Houston, Kinsley, and August.

Lige is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Helen Murray; his in-laws JC and Kathryn Walker; daughter-in-law Jona Murray; and granddaughter Kylie Thompson. Lige is also preceded in death by numerous special friends including characters J.O. Miller, John Tooke, and Jack Kothmann.

Should anyone desire to do a memorial in Lige’s name, please consider:
Central Montana Foundation
Memo note Lige Murray
PO Box 334
Lewistown, MT 59457

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Family to Receive Friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, MT. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, MT with a gathering to follow at The Parlor. A private Burial will be held at the Murray Family Ranch.

Service Schedule

Visitation

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday November 18, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday November 18, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Friday November 19, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Visitation

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday November 18, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday November 18, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Friday November 19, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Maryann and family, I’m sorry to hear this news. Though I haven’t seen you all in along time I consider you my family. You have done so much for me when I was there., love you all.

  2. Maryann, you & Lige have given Kathy and me great memories. Lige was honest, a hard worker, dependable and fun…..an asset for any community. He will be missed by all.

  3. Sorry to hear this. I am very thankful to know this family. They are good people. My heart goes out to all of you and peace be with you during this difficult time.

  4. Maryann and Family-I’m so very sorry to hear this. Please keep your memories close to your heart. Take care.

  5. Mary Ann and family – So very sorry to hear this news – know it is a very difficult time for all of you. May all your good memories bring you comfort at this time. God Bless all

  6. So very sorry for your loss Mary Ann and sons. Know you are in our prayers for comfort.

  7. Mary Ann and families, so sorry to hear about Lige. I am sure you are all in shock, as we are. You have a lot of good memories, remember them. They will help you get thru this I hope. So very sorry.

  8. Maryann and family, We are so sorry about the loss of a really good guy. May the good Lord bring you comfort and your many memories see you through this really tough time. You are in our prayers.

  9. I am so very sorry MaryAnn and kids for your devastating loss my heart breaks for all of you! Hugs and prayers.

  11. MaryAnn and family so sorry for your loss. A lot of great memories over the past 50 years of working with you folks. Praying for all of you. Mike & Myrna Higgins

  13. MaryAnn and Family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. He was definitely a good one! He always had the kindest heart. Let the lord comfort you in these hard times and bring you comfort! We are thinking of you through these rough times.

  14. MaryAnn, Lige, J.C., Walter We are so sad to hear about Lige . He will always be remembered by us as we hunted raccoons growing up or all the gatherings we had as kids. Or thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time

  15. Murray Family
    Man this is certainly a shock to me. Lige was one of the good ones for sure. I always had a good visit with him no matter where I seen him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Howard Shawver Family

  16. Dear Murray family, we are so deeply saddened by the news of Lige’s passing. We were blessed to have met him and spent a wonderful weekend with you all in May. God bless you all, you are all in our thoughts and prayers always. Sincerely The VanHoose family

  18. I am so very sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you all! My deepest condolences.

  19. Mary Ann, Lige Walker, JC and Walt and your families was so sorry to hear of Lige’s passing. You all will be in our prayers. Have fond memories of visits with Mary Ann and Lige. Love to all of you. Mike and Barbara Witherington

  20. MaryAnne and family, Bonnie and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. We pray for God’s peace for your family in this difficult time.

  21. We are very saddened to hear about Lige’s passing. Our hearts break. Prayers and hugs to everyone. Lige was a gem and he will be missed.

  22. Murray family…we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Lige was always so fun to visit with. Prayers and hugs to all. JR & Carol Bean

  23. Dear Murray Family,
    Our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  24. Barbi and I could not believe what we were reading. We are so sorry to hear this about Lige. What a hard working good man. Our love and prayers are with you.

  25. Maryanne , We send our condolences and prayers to you and your family during this time of loss of Lige. May your memories keep him close in your hearts in the coming days.

  26. Sorry to hear about Lige! Have many good memories of you guys! My prayers are with your family!

  27. Maryann and boys (and families) I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I always remember Lige as a larger than life figure who always had that big ol smile on his face. Sending our love and prayers to you all.

  28. Maryann , Lige, JC, Walt and family I want to extend my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. There is nothing one can say to ease your sorrow just know that ypu are I my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace, may your memories give you comfort and your love for one another give you strength in the days to come.

  29. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Lige was such a nice guy. I have great memories from my younger days in 4H.

  32. MARYANN and family, so sad to hear this news. The years we were neighbors were some of the best years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish we able to be there. Please let us know if we can help in anyway. GOD Bless You All Margie and Dean

  33. Mary Ann and family, we are so sorry to see the passing of Lige.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.May God bless and comfort you all with the good memories of a wonderful husband,father and grandfather.
    Ruben and June Opp

  34. Mary Ann and Family.. May you take comfort in loving memory and the friends and family that surround you.” “May the pain you feel now be nothing compared to joy found within the memories of Lige. I have fond memories of you all.. My deepest condolences for your loss.”

  35. Dear Murray family,God be with each of you during this sad time. Know that Lige is with God and his parents in heaven. They all will be looking down over you and praying that you succeed as Lige did. Lige was a wonderful cousin and will be missed by his huge family.

  36. Sending God’s loving comfort to you all in His Holy Name at the very sad moment in time –

    Fran V
    Helena

  37. Kim and I are so broken hearted to receive the news about Lige. We have your whole family in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give y’all peace and understanding. Love, Tommy and Kim

  38. I am so sad to hear this news My thoughts and prayers for all of u. Condolences He was a wonderful man and be missed greatly.

  39. M. A. And Family. Lige was one of the Good Ones, and will be missed by so many. Always had a smile and a trick up his sleeve. We hope the good times help carry you through the rough ones. Together you were a great team. Keith & Marge

  40. Mary ann and families, we are so sorry of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you folks. God Bless!

  41. Mary Ann and family, we are very sorry for your loss. Lige was a great guy and a good neighbor. He will be missed.

  42. My heart joins other family members and friends sending loving Condolence at the passing of Lige. Old childhood memories of playing Spoons and Butterscotch lifesavers will forever still bring Lige to mind. The world is definitely poorer today with this loss of this quiet gentle man.

  44. Mary Ann and Families, I am so very sorry for your loss. Just know that we are keeping you and your families in our warmest thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Lige with always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure all the beautiful memories that you shared as they will help you thru difficult days. Hugs and Prayers to you and your families.

  45. Our deepest condolences to you all, very sorry for your loss. May God bring you peace during this trying time. We were honored to have met you both – he was a very nice man. Lige was always excited to go home to be with his family and work with his dad on his property. We know they must have created lots of beautiful memories together. You all will be in our prayers.

  46. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a big man with a big heart and a big smile. I will never forget him buying a case of overripe bananas so Maryanne would have plenty for banana bread. My thoughts are with all of you .

  47. Mary Ann and family…So very sorry for your loss. Good neighbors are easy to find BUT great ones are treasures. And we have lost a treasure. Our prayers are with you and your family.♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  48. Sorry to hear this . I knew you both way back in Alpine Texas . My sister is married to Lige’s cousin Tom Murray . I always held every one of the Murrays that I met in high regard . My deepest sympathy . John R . Bit Robertson .

  49. Thoughts and prayers to you Maryann and your family .we have to know Lige and J.O will up there swapping stories.

  50. Friends-Life-Family are priceless. We treasure all our special times with Mary Ann and Lige throughout our adult lives. Our Newman love and sympathy to all of the family.

  51. MARYIANNE AND SONS
    .O HOW SORRY WE WERE TO HERE ABOUT LIGE. HE WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY. OUR LOVE GOES OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY. MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS HANDS AND GIVE YOU PEACE IN THIS TIME OF NEED REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD WITH HIM. GOD BLESS YUU ALL

  52. We are so sorry to hear of your loss of a great man that meant so much to everyone Prayers to all the family and friends to stay strong through this emotional time. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  53. So incredibly sad to hear about Lige. He was always so positive and will be missed by all of us. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the family.

  54. To all the Murray family,
    My deepest sympathy to the whole family. Many prayers to heel your broken hearts, a big shock to all who knew LIGE.

  55. Maryann and family,
    I am so sad to hear the news about Lige, all of us who knew him had the utmost respect for him, a true friend and always honest and thoughtful, what a truly fine person. My heart and prayers are go out to you and your family.
    Al Kauffman

  56. So very sad to hear of Lige’s passing. It was such fun to visit with you at Kevin and Gala’s party. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Lynda Hill johnston

  57. MaryAnn and other members of Lige’s family: We were deeply saddened to learn of Lige’s passing. We enjoyed each of our connections with you folks through AgriBasics & Westfeeds! Lige was a gentleman in every aspect of the term. We pray that our God envelopes each of you in His comfort, peace and solace.

  58. Dearest Murray family, I may not have seen you since your move to Montana.. You were fondly thought of often. Lige may not be here physically, but nobody can take away the many fond memories I spent at family reunions. Mom and Dad talked about the times they spent in Montana and the visits to Belton, SC. Love to all and know I’m deeply sad. Your cousin Suzanne Broome

  59. Mary Ann and family,
    I was shocked to hear about the sudden death of Lige. I am now so glad that you were able to come to our reunion in 2017 and that we got to visit then. I have very fond memories of going hunting with Lige, Brian Peterson, and Bill Stubblefield on cool November nights like we are having now.
    Stephen Benold Georgetown High School class of 1967

  60. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. Always enjoyed visiting with Lige.

  61. Mary Ann and family,
    I was so sorry to hear about Lige. My heart hurts for all of you. He was a great person, and I’m so happy we got to see the two of you at our last high school reunion. Love and condolences to all of you.
    Sharon Lawhon Tays

  62. I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Mr Murray in Ace when I worked there. Hugs and prayers.

  63. Mary Ann,
    So sorry to hear of Lige’s accident. I have so many special memories of him in the old Georgetown days, hunting, football, working cattle, just being around him. He was sure a larger than life guy in many ways.
    He has left quite a legacy and his memory will carry on.

  64. MaryAnn,Lige,JC and Walter you are all in our thoughts and prayers,it was such a shock yo see that Lige had passed. Enjoyed our visits out to the ranch and our last visit when they stopped at the house. Remember the good times and memories as they will help to get through this trying time.

  66. When I was younger I thought Uncle Lige was a giant, but never a scary giant. He was more like a giant teddy bear. He liked to tease, but always with fun. You knew because he had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. I am so glad my kids had the opportunity to meet him. He had a warm personality. He was one of my favorite uncles. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss Aunt Mary Ann, Lige, JC, and Walt.

  67. Mary Ann and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss of Lige. What a wonderful man he was. I hope your memories and God’s blessings will
    help ease your pain in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you all.

  68. MaryAnn and boys————-such a shock to learn. I always enjoyed our chance meetings and visits—esp the quiet chuckles when something tickled him.
    My prayers and love to you MaryAnn——-Chris

  69. This both shocks and saddens me. During our many family Thanksgivings spent at Georgetown, Lige always seemed larger than life to me; needless to say, I have always admired him. Perhaps another reason he was so special to me is that I always thought he resembled his Uncle Charlie, my father. What an incredible loss to his family and all who knew him. You will be in my prayers. Linda Jane

  70. Mary Ann and family, the write up on Lige was beautifully done. Our hearts are broken with yours.

    Love Linda Leigh

  71. M A, Walt, J C, and Lige Walker, we’re so sorry to hear of Lige’s accident and passing. He was a grand gentleman, the kind they just don’t make anymore and he will be sorely missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have known him. Our deepest sympathies.

  72. Dear Aunt Mary Ann
    We are deeply sorry for your loss . Uncle Liege was always a great person to talk to and enjoyed playing games when y’all came down . He will deeply missed.

  73. Just want all of you to know that our family is thinking of you. Such a tragic loss.
    With sincere sympathy.

  75. Mary Ann and family. So sad to hear news of Lige. It was nice reading you had retirement time in pleasant Bandera, Texas. Sympathy to all.

  76. I have so many good memories of Lige Mack that it is hard to pick one. One of the memories was when we renting an Airbnb in San Antonio , we all stayed here so we could all go to the wedding. We spent ever minute that we had playing Train. There was eight and lots of games. He could play so fast that if you didn’t watch him he would past you right by. Then he would just grin this big old grin to let you know that he got you. Anytime the sister plus Kacee got together we would spend every minute playing Train. Now it will always be different to play Train with anyone.
    I will always miss you and wish you were here but I know that you can’t be so Rest In Peace my brother. Know that you will always be missed.

  77. Sending Condolences and Prayers to the Murray Family ,May you find comfort in all of your memories and in Gods Love ,

  78. MaryAnn and family we are so sorry for your loss. I have known you both since you worked at the Smith Ranch, in 1971. Lige was a good man.

  79. Mary Ann and family. I was very saddened to learn of Lige’s accident. My heart and prayers go out to you and the boys. Lige was a special person and I have fond memories of him and his family, going to school with them and visits to their ranch. He will be greatly missed. I am thankful for the visit and we had last winter. It was so good to catch up and to talk about old times. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
    Kay Braun Henry

  80. Dear Mary Ann and family,

    So sorry to hear of your loss of Lige. I will always cherish the many memories made with your family. Lige was a kind, hard-working and special man. Thinking of you during this difficult time!

  81. Linda Cervenka Homeyer
    Mary Ann and family,
    I was so sorry to hear about Lige. My parents Dick and Effie Cervenka were good friends of Jack and Helen. We all went to First Baptist Church together in Georgetown. Lige was in high school with me. My brother and dad all hunted on the ranch in Georgetown. I have many good memories of all the family.My prayers are with you.

  82. MaryAnn, Lige,JC,Walt and families.
    We are so sorry for your loss. Lige was such a great guy. We will all miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs.

  84. Mary Ann & family…. Just sending our deepest sympathy & love to all of you. So very sorry about the accident & loss of Lige.
    We just never know… cherish all the memories.
    Marilyn & Jim May

  85. Maryann & family we are so saddened by your loss. Life was such a great fella to visit with. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you in this time 🙏🙏🙏🙏

  86. Maryann and family. We are so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. We cherish the memories of meeting you and your friendship when you lived on Tongue River. Loved his big smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Share the memories and keep them close. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

  87. He was a good man. I know he will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers have been going out to you.

  89. Our deepest sympathy to the family of Lige. What a shock hearing of his accident. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all during this time of loss and give you peace remembering your time with him.

  90. Lige has been my good friend since 1963. I am deeply saddened at his passing, but I know Heaven is blessed to have him there now. My heart goes out to Mary Ann and the boys.

  91. Mary Ann, Lige, JC and Walter,
    What a beautiful service. I wasn’t able to be there in person, but I want you all to know how very sorry I am for your loss. I have fond memories of times when I was younger visiting at Grandma and Grandpa’s and you coming over to help, stop by to drop off mail, ect. Like left a lasting impression on me. My heart is saddened. What a beautiful service. God bless all of you.

  93. Mary Ann and family, we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Lige’s passing. Ron has so many memories of working with Lige at the ranch. He still tells the story about how Lige chased him with the snake and how they would share whole watermelons at lunch time. We will keep our memories close and wish the same for you all.

  94. Mary Ann, I’m so sorry to see if Liges passing, my sincere sympathy and prayers for you and your family.

  95. Very sad news. We sort of lost touch, but always thought of you as great friends. So sending a hug. Maybe a trip to Texas would be a good idea sometime in the future. Would love to see you and catch up. Will be thinking about you.

  96. Dear MaryAnn and Family: I went to school with Lige. I saw Lige and MaryAnn at my our 25th high school reunion and recognized how much you and Lige loved each other. I am so very sorry for the tragic loss of Lige. I know about the Skyline Ranch RV park. Sounds like you two were enjoying retirement. In looking at the pics I can see how much he enjoyed his life with you and raising your children in Montana. Know that Lige is in the loving arms of our savior. May God comfort you knowing you will see him again. Bobby Vernengo, Class of 1967.

  99. I SAW VISITED AND WORKED WITH LIGE IN OUR MANY YEARS IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY TOGETHER. LIGE WAS A GREAT GUY, FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE ,AND WILLING. WE WILL MISS YOU,

  100. I leased the Murray ranch for several years and grew very fond of Liige Great man treated me very well – I loved him unfortunate just now heard of his passing since I’ve lived in Nashville for 15 years. Murry family please have my heartfelt blessings toward Liige. He was a great man always meant to stop and see him but it never happened
    My heart goes out to all of you- Liige was my kind of man so glad I got to know him

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