Martha Sue McMurry

Martha Sue Merritt McMurry died from pancreatic cancer at home surrounded by her loving daughter, Susan McMurry Foubert, and beloved grandchildren, Meg and Will Foubert on July 21, 2025. Born to parents Dr. Homer Joe and Mrs. Elizabeth Merritt in 1945 at Wesley Hospital in Oklahoma City, Martha lived almost her entire life in Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1967 with a major in Political Science. Martha excelled at all things academic, and loved her time at OSU, where she was president of Mortar Board, among many other achievements. During her senior year, she was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to study Latin American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Upon her return to Oklahoma City, she worked for Channel 5 News and the Oklahoma City Planning Department. She married John Card McMurry, the love of her life, on January 24, 1970, in Oklahoma City and they had one daughter, Susan. Martha and John attended Crown Heights Christian Church, where they had many lifelong friends, especially among their cherished Sunday School Class, the Lamplighters. Martha turned 80 on July 15.

To know Martha was to love her. Unless she was prosecuting you. Martha graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Law in 1981. She was among the first women to work at the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. She had a long and fulfilling career as a prosecutor, serving as an Assistant District Attorney from September 21, 1981 through August 30, 2017. Over her 36-year career she worked in almost every division of the District Attorney’s Office. She retired as White-Collar Division Chief and Team Leader. Upon her retirement, her colleagues presented her with a statue of a bald eagle that holds pride of place in her home. It states: “Permit this eagle to be an appropriate representation of the deep feelings of admiration and appreciation that we have for you. Your legal knowledge and competence have provided a benchmark for every lawyer in this office. Your compassion for the forgotten victim is exemplary. Your dedication to the legal profession is uncompromised. You have freely given many meaningful years to the citizens of Oklahoma County. We, your assembled peers, friends, family, staff attorneys, and judges extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you upon this auspicious occasion. Well done good and faithful servant. You have made a difference.”

Although no one worked harder than Martha, her family can truly say that no one loved more unconditionally or generously. She loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. She was thrilled to have her great niece, Karis McMurry, live with her while attending OCU and developed a love of Oklahoma Shakespeare productions thanks to Karis! Martha’s grandchildren were the highlight of her life. She instilled in them a lifelong love of Thunder basketball, taking them to many games and gifting countless tickets (including 2025 playoff tickets!) over the years.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Beth Merritt and her husband, John McMurry. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but especially by: Daughter, Susan McMurry Foubert (John), Grandchildren Meg and Will Foubert, Bonus Granddaughter Karis McMurry, Brother Dr. Joe Paul Merritt and Sister in Law Sara Merritt, Brother and Sister in Law William and Lyn McMurry, Nieces Anne McMurry and Kristin Liles (Brett), Nephews Jim McMurry III (Katie), Wesley Merritt (Amy), David McMurry (Autumn) and Joseph McMurry.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Martha’s life will take place Saturday, August 2 at 2 p.m. at Crown Heights Christian Church (4020 N. Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118). Reception to follow at the church.

Martha adored animals and rescued many dogs over the years. In her last days, Martha cared for a 4-year-old rescue Beagle, Jennie, who provided love and snuggles until the end. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Martha to Archangel Animal Network, a 501c3 nonprofit founded by dear friend Delia McLinden, dedicated to saving shelter dogs through rescue transport. Donations to Archangel Animal Network to sponsor a rescue transport in honor of Martha can be made to: https://www.facebook.com/ArchangelAnimalNetwork

Archangel Animal Network
Attn: Martha McMurry Memorial
3840 West Riva Capri Street
Meridian, ID 83646