Melissa Deanne Murdock Terry's Obituary
Melissa Deanne Murdock Terry (nicknamed ‘Melissa Bee-Ann, the industrious/melodious honeybee’ by her mother) tragically left this world on July 4, 2024 at the age of 48.
Melissa was born February 9, 1976 in the Beehive State to William and Wendy Dean Murdock as their first of what would become seven children.
She experienced and endured a lot in her younger years, which was met largely with grace and stoicism. Those years consisted of playing soccer, dancing ballet, acting and singing/performing with her family (the Murdock Family Singers). One of her favorite experiences was performing as an Oriental Servant in Ballet West’s The Nutracker. If you were ever lucky enough to witness her dancing, you’d remember her moving to such an extent that you could almost see light extending beyond her limbs, flowing out into the world around her.
Melissa loved learning and teaching choreography from her favorite songs, music videos and musicals to her sisters and friends. She enjoyed cheerleading for Kaysville Junior High on the same team as her sister, Annie, and also played various parts in plays and musicals (a favorite being Liesl von Trapp in Sound of Music). They had many fun and memorable experiences with cousins and friends in their small town - a welcomed respite amidst hard times at home.
As schooling came to a close, life became even more difficult, but she seemed to navigate through it all as if still on the soccer field, putting her head down and moving swiftly with strength and agility towards her next goal. At one point, she even got into bodybuilding (her cousins will be relieved to know she wasn’t bodybuilding when she was beating them all in leg wrestling competitions at family parties; their egos may not have survived that possibility).
As a restaurant server, Melissa found joy and a sense of pride in a job well-done with a bright and welcoming smile and stellar attention to every order and request; she was detailed and thorough as a housekeeper; she was talented and hard-working in landscaping and yard care. Smart and incisive, slender and strong, she considered no task beyond her abilities. Her work ethic and determination was truly a beautiful thing to witness, even on her last day.
She brought four beautiful children into this world; each one a golden gift within new dreams she wanted to create for herself; each one renewing her resolve to keep moving towards her end goal.
She had not only quick feet, but a quick wit that loved to play on words. If she were here now, she’d light up with a huge smile had her children been described as ‘goal’den rather than golden in that last paragraph; and we’d shed a tear together over that thought.
Melissa’s resolve to remain self-reliant was both a blessing and a curse. She carried some of her heaviest burdens alone, which often kept love at arm’s length. But, over the last number of months, we know she was supported well by many people we never had the pleasure of meeting as she worked on healing herself. Seeing her reach new heights was inspiring and we know her improvements were largely due to the caring connections she made.
We are devastated and despondent in knowing her glowing heart never got to reach her end goal. We can’t be sure she even knew what that was, but maybe hers could be better described as a ‘mend’ goal. A goal to mend what was broken so she could move out of survival and into a life shared joyously with those she loved deeply.
May you rest in welcoming hugs from our mom and brother on the other side, sweet sister. You deserve to be held in healing love with no more struggles or pain or darkness. We will try our best to mend what is currently breaking in us, while simultaneously soaking in every bee-utiful moment we are gifted here in your absence.
Melissa has left behind sisters and brothers Annie Murdock, Megan Murdock Halversen, Katie Murdock, Kizzi Murdock, Christian Murdock and Dane Shurtliff; her “dad”, David Shurtliff; children Jessenia Franco, Tyler Millington, Adalynn Terry and Bradley. Survived by father William Murdock and half-sister Laura Olson as well as dozens of incredible aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her cherished mother Wendy Dean Murdock Shurtliff and brother Matt Murdock.
We will gather to celebrate Melissa’s life on Monday, July 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Draper Day Barn (1166 E Pioneer Rd, Draper, UT 84020), and will reconvene on July 30th for a private burial service at Larkin Sunset Gardens with those closest to her.
What’s your fondest memory of Melissa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Melissa?
Share a story where Melissa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Melissa you’ll never forget.
How did Melissa make you smile?
