Obituary of Ann Joslyn Hall Murray

Ann Joslyn Hall Murray, 61, of Iowa City, died August 4, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. She was born August 12, 1950, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Reeves and Alberta (Joslyn) Hall. Ann had two brothers, David and Jim. Ann was the middle child. Ann's brothers delighted in calling her "Mother Ann" because they maintain she was quick to take matters into her own hands when her brothers misbehaved! Ann attended school in Independence and college at Mankato State where she majored in elementary education. After college Ann moved to Iowa City and taught school at Kirkwood Elementary in Coralville. She met her husband Jim while he was a dental student. They married on June 16, 1973. Jim and Ann moved to Twenty Nine Palms, CA where Jim was in the Navy. Jim and Ann returned to Iowa City where Jim established his Orthodontics practice. Ann taught English as a second language while raising her family. The children born to this union are Brett Reeves and Amy Elizabeth. Ann was active in P.E.O. Chapter Hi, Project Green, Athens History Circle, Dental Wives, PTO, a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Questers, Mercy Hospital festival of trees and West High Booster Club. Ann volunteered with the free lunch program. Her special interests were tennis, gardening, biking, cooking and her children's activities. Ann also started the Elementary basketball league and could always be found volunteering at school or attending Brett or Amy's sporting events. She enjoyed collecting family heirlooms and presented numerous programs of interest to others. A special memory is of the Indian headdress (Meskawki tribe) which is presently on loan to the Native American exhibit at the Marriott Hotel. Ann celebrated and rejoiced at the marriage of her children, Brett to Alicia (Briskey) and Amy to Christopher Hamdorf. She was a loving grandmother to Brett and Alicia's daughter, Sophie Ann and Amy and Chris's girls, Grace Elizabeth, Madelyn Leigh and Lucy Alberta. Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2006. She spoke of this diagnosis freely and maintained an active social life until the disease robbed her of her abilities. Ann's many friends remember Ann's contagious smile, inclusive personality and her eagerness to help a friend in need. Ann's family includes her husband Jim, her mother Alberta Hall Randall; son, Brett (Alicia) Murray; daughter, Amy (Christopher Hamdorf) and her beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers David (Lynn) Hall and Jim (Allison) Hall and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves to mourn her many dear friends. Ann was preceded in death by her father, Reeves Hall. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2012, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. Following the services a reception will be held for everyone present to share with Ann's family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice @ 1025 Wade Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. Online condolences may be sent for Ann's family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Ann's family and her services.