Betty “Jean” Murray, a long-time Stockton resident passed away peacefully at Hospice House of San Joaquin at the age of 87. Jean was born in North Bend, Oregon to Bessie and Glenn Cupp on January 6, 1924 and grew up in Empire, CA. She married her high school sweetheart, Harley W. Murray in 1941 and the two later moved to Stockton to raise a family and start a business. In 1946, they established a trucking company specializing in heavy equipment hauling; soon after low bed trailer manufacturing became their primary business. Although Harley passed in 1990, Harley Murray, Inc. continues to be family owned and operated.

In 1959, Jean earned her pilot’s license and became a member of the Ninety Nines, an organization founded by Amelia Earhart and other women pilots. She was also an active member of the Stockton Aeronautical Society and a 4-H leader for many years. Her other interests included gardening, reading, travel and many artistic pursuits such as flower arranging, watercolors, ceramics, batiks and sewing couture tailored clothing. Later, quilting became the focus of her artistry. Jean was a member of the Manteca Quilters and was a featured quilter in 2008. In recent years she joined the Tuesday group, making quilts for local charities. In 2010 she made 43 quilts for hospitalized patients. She also exhibited with the Tuleburg Quilt Guild of Stockton. Over the years she pieced countless quilts and wall hangings for family and friends. She also was a member of the Ripon Senior Center quilters, often planning and working on the raffle quilt for the Almond Blossom Festival.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Harley W. Murray. She leaves behind three children and their spouses; Barbara (Robert) Pelowski of Franklin, WI; David Murray of Boulder, CO; and Douglas (Jean) Murray of Lodi, CA. A devoted grandmother to: Lisa (Jeffrey) Leszczynski of Muskego, WI; Brian Pelowski of Portland, OR; Timin Murray of Ukiah, CA; Ashley Murray of Brooklyn, NY; Chaz Murray of Stockton, CA; Christopher Murray of Lodi, CA; Bianca Pagnucci of San Francisco, CA; Nicholas Pagnucci and Dominic Pagnucci both of Lodi, CA. Her beloved great grandchildren are: Jacob and Erin Leszczynski of Muskego, WI. Jean is also survived by her siblings Neil (Arlene) Cupp of Woodbridge, CA; Dorleece Hill of Pleasanton, CA; and Eldon “Buck” Cupp of Modesto, CA. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

In honor of Jean, a memorial service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 3p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. Final resting place is private. In lieu of flowers, family requests any donations be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA. 95204, or charity of your choice.

Services are under the direction of PL Fry & Son Funeral Home. An online tribute wall is available for condolences and special messages at plfryandson.com. search obituaries.