Ellen McMurray Little

– Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother and aunt, Ellen McMurray Little, 54, passed away Monday, February 11, 2008 at the University of Utah Medical Center. She was born July 10, 1953 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Glenn W. McMurray and Carol Emma Gifford McMurray. She was raised in Idaho and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. She furthered her education, attending Ricks College and graduated from BYU with a Bachelors Degree in teaching. On April 15, 1978 she married David A. Little in Mountain Home, Idaho and subsequently had two sons, Todd and Steven. She also began her lifelong love of teaching elementary school children and directing school plays. Ellen was later divorced and raised her family, with the assistance of her parents, in Preston, Idaho, while teaching at Doxey Elementary School in Sunset, Utah for over 23 years. She moved from Idaho to the local area in 1998. Ellen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings and was currently serving in Young Women’s and as a volunteer at the Ogden LDS Temple. She cherished her church, school and family including her siblings, 32 nieces/nephews and many great nieces/nephews. She is recognized by her loved ones for her ability to talk, generosity and loving heart. In Steven’s words, “My mom’s life was a testament to helping others through teaching. She spread kindness and love by example. She enriched the meaning of integrity, sharing and hope through strong conviction for the truth and faith in God. She was loved by all who knew her and she put compassion for others above herself. She defined what it is to be a sister and mother; she was truly loved and will be deeply missed.” Ellen is survived by two sons, Steven J. (Sarah Draayer) Little, Roy, UT; Todd J. Little, Sunset, UT; a granddaughter, Nakiya Harley Little; two brothers, Scott Ray McMurray, Kent Jay (Lynette) McMurray; three sisters, Lillian (John) Campbell, Karen (Scott) Smith, and Linda McMurray Florez (Norris Bancroft). Also surviving are 32 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16th at 11 a.m. at the Sunset 4th Ward Chapel, 220 West 975 North. Friends and family may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., at the church. Interment at the Preston Cemetery in Preston, Idaho at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Email condolences to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com