The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

Martha M McMurray

Dec. 21, 1932 – Dec. 16, 2023

Martha M. McMurray passed away in Gig Harbor, Wash. on Dec. 16, 2022, at the age of 89. Martha was born on Dec. 21, 1932, one of four daughters born to Edward and Anna (Kessler) Esslinger on a small wheat farm outside of Sprague, Wash. Her parents were German immigrants and only spoke German at home. So Martha only spoke German when she started first grade just before WWII. Luckily, her cousin Joanne McCrady (Kessler) helped her learn English. She learned quickly and was the Valedictorian of her Sprague High School Class.

Martha attended an...