Michael Dell Murri

Mike passed peacefully on Saturday evening, February 21, 2026, at the young age of 58 after a three-year battle with cancer. Mike kept a positive attitude and did his best to carry on with life, even as his body continued to fail him.

Mike spent his entire life in the Yakima/Selah area, graduating from Selah High School in 1987. In high school, Mike wrestled and was part of the Selah Volunteer Fire Department. Growing up, he could often be found alongside his dad at Vintiques events and car shows, heading off on crazy adventures like flying a plane cross-country, or spending summer days water skiing.

Weekends meant breakfast at Norma Jeans with Grandpa Mickey, and helping Grandma Maxine with whatever project she decided he was doing that day. Mike and his best friend Thad spent their time roofing houses, moving mobile homes, and doing whatever else earned them a paycheck, always having a great time while riding the line to stay out of trouble. Lifelong connection with Cousin Heather and Brandi was invaluable to him, and he loved them like sisters.

Mike soon found himself married, a homeowner, and the proud father of two girls. Being a dad was the thing he loved most in life. He took great pride in caring for his daughters and teaching them about life, always finding the fun wherever he could. As the girls grew older, Sunday breakfast became his favorite time; simple time to hang out and catch up.

Just a few years ago, Mike took his mom back to Georgia for a family reunion. They cherished the time together, reconnecting with family, and had a fun time exploring Savannah.

Mike shared a special bond with his 98-year-old Grandma Maxine, keeping the severity of his condition from her as long as he could so she wouldn’t worry. Last Spring, in a lot of pain and a couple tubes coming out of him (as he would say), Mike traveled to Phoenix to see her, and it certainly boosted his spirits.

GS Long became Mike’s other family. For nearly 25 years, he proudly hauled bulls to rodeo all over the country, made countless trips hauling rock for Gary’s home, delivered agricultural supplies throughout Eastern Washington, and most proudly represented the company with the annual Lighted Christmas Truck brigade. Each year he spent weeks meticulously lighting it up, then driving through neighborhoods and parades during the holiday season, bringing joy to so many.

Mike was blessed with the best neighbors on Foster Lane and became especially close with Ric, though he always counted on The Dibbles to have an extra gallon of milk when needed. In recent years, Mike and Ric rebuilt his Datsun convertible, and has now passed to Ric to enjoy. They worked on many other cars, went shooting, hunting, and snowmobiling, or simply spent evenings playing cards. Along with Kim, Ric was Mike’s rock throughout his cancer journey.

May 30, 2023, Mike was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. On the day of diagnosis, Kim promised to stand by his side, and she never wavered. For nearly three years, he endured countless procedures and two major surgeries. He was determined to be the one who made it through, and that’s exactly what he would say. The world saw a man with a positive outlook, always saying, “I’m good” when asked, but privately he was mentally and physically exhausted.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, after an extended hospital stay, the doctors said they had exhausted all options. Mike looked at Kim and said, “Well, I guess I am going to die after all.” Of course, he said it with a smirk and a giggle. Eleven days later, on the evening of February 21, Mike slipped into eternal peace.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Kayla (Micah) Justice; Hannah Murri; Grandson Greyson Justice; Father Russ (Suzanne) Murri; Mother Molly McGuire (Al) Johnston; Grandma Maxine Flohr; countless friends and extended family; and his chosen family, Kim Acacio, Ric Crull, and Thad Wilson.

A very special thank you to his GS Long family for supporting Mike until the very end. Deep gratitude Ausink Family Medicine, Dr. Meier and the staff at Yakima Urology, Dr. Wright and Dr. Schweitzer at Seattle Cancer Care, and the outstanding nursing staff of 7NE at UWMC. Kim also wishes to thank Nicole with Heartlinks for the loving hospice care shown to both Mike and Kim during his final days.

A service will be held at Harman Center at Gailleon Park,101 N 65th Ave, Yakima, WA 98908 on Saturday, March 21, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Selah’s No Nuts Club. Mike was a magnet for rescue dogs and was looking forward to helping at an upcoming fundraiser.