Alice Murdoch Karras

Alice Murdoch Karras, 87, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Alice was born in New York on May 29, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Robert Murdoch and Alice Hamlin Murdoch. She was a graduate of Briarcliff Junior College, where she earned an Associate in Applied Science in Cartography. She later received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a specialty in Cartography from Northwestern University in 1960. During her college years, she was a proud member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and performed in musical theater productions from 1958 to 1960 at one time starring alongside Ann Margret.

Breaking barriers early in her career, Alice became one of the first female draftsmen in the field of surveying, working at Chas H Sells in Pleasantville, NY. She also was a member of the Hyde Theatre and HL Sands Productions in New York City enjoying her passion for dance. After raising her three children, she built a meaningful and accomplished career as a professional tax advisor.

Alice gave back generously to her community throughout her life. She volunteered for 20 years as a tax preparer with AARP, assisting hundreds of individuals and families. She also gave her time to the Bedford Hills Elementary School library and was actively involved in volunteer roles at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, where she was a devoted member. She served as Secretary of both the Lynchburg Junior Woman’s Club and the Investment Club.

A passionate and lifelong skier, Alice continued to ski until the age of 85. Her love for the sport took her to New Zealand, Italy, California, Colorado, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and locally in Virginia. She passed along her passion for the slopes and the outdoors to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed tennis, playing bridge with her friends and treasured her time with family, especially her grandchildren. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel to five of the world’s seven continents.

Alice is survived by her children William Murdoch Karras (Betsy Davidson) of Herndon, VA, Heather Elizabeth Karras of Forest, VA and Jeffrey Thomas Karras (Helen Yi) of San Francisco, CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren William (Ashley) of Burke VA, Elizabeth of Alexandria, VA, Sally of Arlington, VA, James of San Francisco, CA and her great grandchildren, Griffin and Melody of Burke, VA.

A Memorial Service for Alice will be held on July 22, 2025 at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) at NetRF.org. NETRF is dedicated to funding research to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancer, a rare cancer Alice faced for over 5 years with determination, strength, courage, and dignity.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.