On January 23, 2015, with the love and support of her family by her side, Gertrud Helene Murray, "Gertie", valiantly ended her final battle with cancer. Gertie was a cancer survivor for many years; her determination, will to live and her positive attitude, made Gertie a beacon of strength and light to her family and friends. Born on March 28, 1928 in Wachenbuchen, Germany, Gertrud was the second child of Eduard and Anna Haberkorn. At the age of 4, Gertie's family moved to Hanau, Germany. Twelve years later, World War II devastated Germany, and Hanau was bombed. When Gertie's father, Edward, was conscripted and sent far away from home, Gertrud, her mother, and her 3 sisters had to survive the war on their own. When American soldiers took over the Haberkorn home, in Hanau, Gertie met the love of her life, Pete Murray. Pete brought Gertie's family food and provisions and in doing so, he won her heart and the hearts of her family members. In January 1949, Gertie traveled to the U.S. to marry Pete. They married in February and reared six wonderful children together. Gertie and Pete celebrated 43 happy, productive years together, before Pete passed away in May 1990. Gertie's life was fulfilled as a homemaker and mother. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, needlework and crocheting, cooking and baking. She also loved to bowl and travel. One of her greatest pleasures was seeing her children and grandchildren excel in sports and the arts. Gertie kept her German heritage alive by speaking German, watching German TV and as a member of the Tri-Cities German Club. As a lifetime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Gertie was generous with her time and talents. She was active in Catholic Daughters of America and the Altar Society. Gertie was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Pete Murray, her youngest sister Lenora, and a niece. She is survived by her children Michael Murray, Ken Murray, (Debbie), Steve Murray, Debbie Rosane (Larry), Tim Murray (Cyndi), Karen Hodgins (Mike), two sisters, Johanna Smith and Irmgard Conlin, 13 grandchildren, extended family members and close friends. A Rosary service will be held at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home on Thursday, February 5, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. and a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, February 6 at 11 a.m. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Hospice at the Chaplaincy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in remembrance of Gertrud Murray to the Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352, or the American Cancer Society.