Marguerite Elizabeth Murrell

There is a comfort in the strength of love; t’will make a thing endurable which else would overset the brain, or break the heart.

- William Wordsworth

Marguerite Elizabeth Murrell, 91, of Marion, IN, passed away on 11/01/2022. As her granddaughter said, “Heaven gained a new soprano in the choir.”

Margie, as she was most often called, was the essence of a lady, who steadfastly loved her family and lived out her faith every single day by modeling kindness, grace and dignity, in good times and difficult ones.

While she was known for many things, she will be remembered as part of “Bob and Margie,” for their love story was one-of-a-kind. They adored each other and never raised their voices or had an argument that anyone can attest to.

Margie was also known for her sense of fun and fashion. She was often the life of the party, and few ever saw her without her makeup on. One of her favorite stories was when her grandson, Riley, was little and she was putting on her makeup by the light of the kitchen window. “Mommom,” he said, “Don’t look out the window until you get your makeup on.” She even had a makeup bag in her rollator.

Her life began in Gas City Indiana, where she was born at home! To parents Ruth and Alfred Webb, on January 30, 1931. After graduating from Gas City High School in 1948, she went on to study at Indiana University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Margie loved being a teacher and taught for five years before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Robert (Bob) T. Murrell on September 2, 1956. Before he died, Bob wrote in a journal that he fell in love with Margie at first sight. “A great moment in my life is when Margie came into the store in a beautiful blue dress with a flared skirt that showed her beautiful legs. It was then that I planned to marry this beautiful girl…however, he had to “campaign” (that’s what he called it) to marry her. “Margie was popular and had several other beau at the time. After being a little miffed at “The Store” (Murrells’) on Father’s Day because I didn’t give her 100 percent of my attention, Margie was a bit cool when I called to take her to dinner. After 5 calls she accepted! I took her to a dance at Winona Lake with a live orchestra, open air - moonlight. I think that fine dining and summer dancing finally turned the corner.”

On July 31, 1957 their daughter Diana was born. Margie was blessed to be a “stay-at-home mom,” a role she played to perfection, orchestrating fun with family and friends, cooking wonderful meals, and making people feel welcome, often entertaining Diana’s friends and later her grandchildren and their friends.

In addition to family, the arts, particularly music, played a huge role in her life. Known for her lyric soprano voice, she sang in church, at weddings, and on the local radio. She loved to recount a story of getting to sing with the star of Oklahoma, Gordon MacRae when she was at IU. She passed that love of music to her daughter, and her grandchildren who all have been active in local musical theater and church ministry. One of her favorite activities was going to her grandchildren’s performances, sitting through many dance recitals and show choir programs.

Margie loved the Lord, and actively pursued her faith by regular church attendance and participation in Christian organizations including PEO and Bible Study Fellowship. A member of Tri-Kappa and Lyric Club, Margie was always ready to volunteer her time and talents and seemed to always be preparing a book report of some kind for Portfolio Club. Education and learning was important to her, and she expected no less from the rest of her family.

Margie was someone who always put others first; giving of her time selflessly. You knew you could ask her to help in any way, pick up a sick child from school, go to the drugstore to pick up a prescription. When her granddaughter, Regan, was born, Margie made dinner every night for a week and delivered it. Yes, that way she got to see the baby, but still…it was a treat, and she loved to treat people well. She became “Mommom” to Regan and was thrilled when Riley was born a few years later. She doted on her grandchildren and pretty much thought no one compared to them.

Margie was only 67 when Bob died suddenly from a glioblastoma, just short of their 46th anniversary. Her incredible strength to go on came from her faith, and she moved forward without complaint, learning how to pay the bills, and eventually taking a job at Sylvan Learning Center teaching little ones to read. As the years passed, Margie reached that stage of life where she was attending the funerals of dear friends. On one of those occasions, she was waiting in line with a widower, Richard Knost, also from First United Methodist Church. That conversation led to dinner and a sweet, loving companionship for eleven years, before Dick died, shortly after his 90th birthday. Regan liked to say “Mommom” hit the jackpot twice with the men in her life.

Marguerite is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Jack Gardner; grandchildren, Regan and Riley Reese; niece and nephew, Gay and Eric Houston, and former son-in-law, Ron Reese. She also leaves behind a host of those who have known and loved her, particularly friends of Diana’s.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Murrell; parents and three siblings; Al Webb, Jr., Shirley Ford, and Fay Walters; and special friend, Dick Knost.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 8, 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Marion, with calling hours from Noon to 2.

Donations may be sent to First United Methodist Church, where Margie and Bob were married and attended throughout their lives.

The family would also like to extend special thanks to all the staff at York Place, who, for almost four years became a second family to Margie. The staff at Rolling Meadows also gave her extraordinary care in the last month of her life. We are grateful for every caregiver who made a difference.

Margie had a remarkable life - not defined by today’s parameters. She didn’t have a social media account with hundreds of followers or a long resume to tout. She was an extraordinary homemaker - who did just that. She made a home not just for her family but for anyone who crossed the threshold. She created a warm, inviting space where you knew you would be spoiled, each and every time you visited.

Ultimately, hers is a story of commitment to family, friends, and her faith. We couldn’t have asked for more. We take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in heaven with all the loved ones who have gone before, but especially, her beloved husband.

We can continue to honor her by remembering the traits she imparted to us, from the small to the large. Manners matter, put your napkin on your lap, give people attention, offer to do things without being asked. Nurture your faith. Go the extra mile. Above all, be kind to others.

Her legacy will live on through those she leaves behind. May we take her lessons of love and continue to pass them on. May we love as deeply and carefully as she did.

“Motherhood is a million little moments that God weaves together with grace, redemption, laughter, tears, and most of all, love.”