Vonda K. Murrah found eternal rest on Sunday, June 17th. She passed away in the comfort and familiar surroundings of home. She had fought a long and dignified battle for the last 35 years and is now at peace. Vonda is preceded in death by her father, Danny Murrah, and is survived by her mother, brother, sister-in-law, two nieces, and numerous friends.
Vonda was born a native of Texas, in Fort Worth in August of 1966. At a young age she, along with her family, made the move to Tulsa in 1972. Tulsa was where Vonda grew up and really began to blossom and succeed. She was active in school and various activities. It would be one of those activities that would not only captivate her interest but that of the entire family. That sport would be softball. Vonda was very active in the Tulsa Girls Softball Association, where she played on numerous competitive teams at a young age. This was a time when girls sports were struggling to gain its rightful prominence and equal status with male-dominated sports of the time.
Vonda continued her success into high school, playing first at Bishop Kelley Catholic High School in Tulsa and then Union High School. She continued not only playing, but finding a true love for the sport and fellowship of teammates; she began to build a promising collegiate career. Unfortunately this was all cut too short. With a minor injury that required surgery, and complications of surgery, Vonda was left with a debilitating brain injury. Her strong faith, work ethic and unmeasurable strength, kept her fighting and proving so many wrong. For 35 years, she lived the best she could with the circumstances she was dealt. By her example of strength and sheer will to live, her family found strength and determination to provide what she needed to live peacefully at home, with family and a constant stream of visitors, friends, and teammates.
Vonda will be remembered by so many, not only those she knew personally but also by those her story inspired. Hers is a story of a talented athlete finding strength to fight the hard fight and not give up; for herself and also for those whom she loved so dearly. She is at peace.
Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, in Tulsa. Private burial will follow.
Please honor Vonda's life with donations to: Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, P.O. Box 580460, Tulsa, OK 74158-0469 or online:
www.cceok.org/donate
FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151