Rosella Murray

Rosella Lillian (Mass) Murray of Brainerd MN, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Brainerd, December 23, 1937, to Ethel and Otto Mass. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Otto Mass, sisters, Judy and Barb Mass, and brother Leo Mass.

She is survived and dearly missed by her husband of 67 years, John Murray, all seven of her children Lonnie (Mary), Ray (Tammy), Jean, Linda, Sue (Rich), Myrta, and Colleen (Jay), 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and her brother, Robert Mass of Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Community College, she married John and started a family. A few years and many children later, she went on to graduate from St. Cloud University with her teaching degree. She was a substitute teacher and worked in education throughout her life. As a substitute teacher she would sometimes have one of her own children in the classroom, by the end of the day all of the kids would be calling her mom. This just showed her warm and inviting nuturing nature.

She often combined two of her passions in life, her love of painting and her family. There were often gatherings of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at painting events, either out or at her home. You could see the beauty inside of her come out in her paintings of flowers, landscape, and animals. It was always a special treat to get a hand painted card for your birthday or Christmas.

Over her incredible 87 years she had many adventures and hobbies, like downhill skiing, camping, gardening, and many more.

Services for Rosella Murray will be at Park United Methodist on Tuesday Dec 2 with visitation at 1 pm and services commencing at 2 pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home, Brainerd.