Murrell Cato Helmke, 86, died Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Duke Raleigh Hospital.

A resident of Magnolia Glen on Creedmoor Road, Murrell remained an active and enthusiastic participant in all aspects of her life. She loved her family deeply and valued the friendships she had made both here and abroad. She will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by Jim, her husband of 58 years.

Murrell’s survivors include son, James Helmke and wife, Bronwyn; daughter, Gretchen Weakley and husband, Terry; daughter, Karen Rectanus; niece, Helen Barrow and husband, Brad; grandchildren, Karl and Tim Rectanus, Hannah, Jon and Matthew Weakley, Maggie and Abby Helmke and Derek and Gregg Helmke; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews living around the globe.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, Murrell asked that donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements made by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas.

Online condolences can be made at www.cremnc.com

From the News & Obeserver website.