Carol Belle McMurray

Carol “Billie” Belle Pierce Bushong McMurray, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Avilla, Indiana. She was born on May 24, 1928, in Albion, Indiana, to Webster and Ruby (Merriman) Pierce. Carol was a proud graduate of Albion High School, Class of 1946.

On June 6, 1947, she married William “Bill” Bushong, and together they built a life filled with love and adventure. They enjoyed riding motorcycles together and camping with their children, creating lasting family memories.

After Bill’s passing, Carol spent her winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, where she met Bernard McMurray. They married on Nov. 19, 1990, and she moved to Mason City, Iowa, where she embraced farm life and new adventures.

Carol had a passion for cooking and spent 25 years as a beloved cook at Central Noble High School. She cherished entertaining students and never missed an opportunity to perform in a skit for a school sporting event. Her warmth, humor, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A true social butterfly, Carol loved playing euchre and hosting card parties, whether at home, in Florida, or later at the nursing home, where games brought her great joy. She and Bernard were well-known for their participation in holiday parades, always dressing in elaborate costumes — winning was a must for Carol! She had a flair for the spotlight, performing in park variety shows, and her favorite moment was channeling Liza Minnelli for a rousing performance of New York, New York.

Carol never knew a stranger, she could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a knack for making people feel like old friends. But her greatest joy was her family. As the proud matriarch, she delighted in sharing stories about her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She especially loved holding and rocking the babies, often singing the cherished lullabies “The Animal Fair” and “K-K-K-Katy” to them, creating a tradition that will be fondly remembered by all.

Carol was sassy, sharp, and full of life. She relished McDonald’s Frappés, Taco Bell, taffy, and, of course, a good game of euchre. She lived a life of adventure, love, and laughter, and her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She was our cornerstone and a woman who left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, William Bushong and Bernard McMurray; her children, Lana Mountz Tumbelson and James Bushong; her stepchildren, Judy Olinger and Virginia (David) DeWitt; her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Pierce; and one great-grandchild, Dakota Bushong.

She is survived by her daughter, Mindy (John) Collazo, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; and daughter-in-law, Carol Bushong, of Goshen, Indiana. Her grandchildren include John (Patricia) Mountz, Jennifer Strack, Brad (Amanda) Mountz, Phillip (Shannon) Bushong, Sara (David) Hoefer, Tara Manning, Andrew Bushong, Katherine Wendland and Krista (Mark) Rojas. She is also survived by her stepchildren, John (Cathy) McMurray and Charles (Beverly) McMurray; her brother, Ronald Pierce of Bonita Springs, Florida; 17 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Carol lived a beautiful life, long enough to see four generations, and her love and compassion will live on in all of us. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Harper Funeral Homes, Albion Chapel, 771 Trail Ridge Road, Albion. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Tom Novy will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Nursing Home Activities Department in Avilla, Indiana. Carol cherished the daily entertainment and card games during her time there, and contributions will help bring joy to other residents as she so deeply enjoyed.

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