Linda Lorraine Murphree

Linda Lorraine Murphree, born Linda Lorraine Bowers, 69, went home to be with the angels on April 23, 2021. Linda was born on June 26, 1951 in Longview, Washington to George Watson Bowers and Betty “Lorraine” Bowers.
Linda leaves behind her husband, Michael Wayne Murphree, her daughters, Tammy Lynn Speed and Jennifer Lorraine Lamari, her son, Michael Gerald Murphree, three granddaughters, Katie, Hannah, and Madelyn Speed, and a great-grandson on the way. Linda is also survived by her older brother Larry George Bowers and her younger twin siblings Curtis Lee Bowers and Colleen Marie Wilson.
Linda was a beautiful, talented, and fiercely independent young woman. As a girl Linda studied a variety of dance styles, did gymnastics, and was on the swim team at R.A. Long High School. Linda taught at the Arthur Murray School of Dance in Portland and later opened a dance studio in Kelso where she taught ballroom, disco, and Latin.
As a young woman Linda also served the community as a bartender and waitress and especially enjoyed bartending at the original Peter’s Restaurant in Kelso. Linda was a hard worker and tough as nails. She worked at Reynolds Metals for several years and eventually found a home as a bus driver, which she loved. She drove bus for the Portland Airport for several years before the family relocated to Ferndale, Washington where Linda drove bus for the Ferndale School District until she retired in 2014.
Linda and Mike spent many years fishing, crabbing, shrimping, and clam digging. When she was young she would shuck a fresh oyster still on the rock and eat it raw right off the shell. Linda was known for her great cooking, especially her frying. Linda made fried razor clams, fried catfish, and a mean fried oyster.
When she retired, she enjoyed spending time in her travel trailer and going to the beach. Linda always loved the ocean. Linda also spent her free time making a variety of craft projects and was very creative. She is known for her beautiful wreaths, one for every season and occasion. Linda liked gardening and loved all sorts of birds and flowers, especially sunflowers. Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be missed dearly.
For those wishing to celebrate Linda’s life, the family asks that you plant sunflowers in her memory.