Murial Andersen

1934 - 2025

Murial Orser Andersen

Murial Elaine Andersen (Orser) April 21, 1934 - October 30, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT-The countless birds outside her bedroom window are singing a bit softer with the passing of Murial Elaine Andersen, "The Keeper of the Better Side of the Orsers". Murial was an artist, horseman, quilter, world traveler, doting grandmother, devoted gardener, and a true force of nature.

Born to Artus and Eva Orser in Springtime, Montana, Murial grew up on her father's ranch along Pryor Creek, Montana, where her childhood unfolded beneath the vast, unending Montana sky. She learned early the rhythm of nature, riding horses and soaking in the freedom of open spaces. The family would later move to Billings where she would graduate from Billings Senior High in June of 1952. "Murph" remembered her adventurous childhood fondly; riding horses along the Billings rimrocks with her lifelong friend, Roberta (Bert) O'Donnell, and joyriding in big cars they'd christened with silly, affectionate nicknames, always in good company with her lovely friends and her dear cousin David.

Murial began her accounting career at Commercial Credit in Billings before transferring to the Sacramento office and eventually returning home. It was there she met the love of her life, H. Neil Andersen. After a lengthy courtship they married on April 16,1960 and moved to Great Falls before settling in Salt Lake City in 1962. Together they raised their children and many animals on their little piece of heaven.

Throughout her lifetime she trained and showed many horses and earned countless trophies and buckles, showing Appaloosas and Quarter Horses across the country with her daughter, Karen; a shared passion that brought them joy and adventure in equal measure.

Murial's creativity knew no bounds. She was a world-class artist, who brought beauty to every corner of her world; canvases, cupboards, walls, and well-loved furniture all bloomed with her whimsical touch, if paint could dry on it, Murial made it art. She was especially known for her watercolors and finely detailed tole work.

Her love of color and life extended to her outside world, where she spent countless hours caring for her gardens, which were always full of blooming flowers, vegetables, butterflies, and birds. For several years she went through about 150 pounds of bird seed a month in an effort to keep her garden filled with joy and song.

Perhaps her greatest skill was her gift of creating quilts, of which she made hundreds. She used elaborate color combinations and often hand-stitched intricate pieces together to make the most dazzling quilts. Her quilts were cherished gifts, given to family, friends, and charities. We are fortunate that her passions will continue to live on in our homes and memories through her gorgeous quilts and artwork.

Throughout her life, Murial worked for Commercial Credit, The City of West Jordan, and Franklin Covey. After retirement, she and Neil doubled-down on travels and set off on long, meandering road trips around the country and Europe, with no particular destination in mind. They often returned with the van full of treasures from antique stores and boutiques. She and Neil spent countless hours with their grandchildren, taking them on amazing trips and fun adventures. Murial enjoyed vast discussions with the grandkids about anything under the sun. She loved nothing more than being a part of their lives.

Murial was a great friend to many, she kept in touch with lifelong friends and family near and far, always ready with a story, an update, or just a good laugh. She was fiercely proud of her Orser heritage. She loved her extended Orser and Andersen families beyond words. Her spirituality was strong, and she had a commitment to the study of the Tao daily.

Murial had two children, Christian (Michele) Andersen, Karen (Doug) Tomkinson, three grandchildren, Aubri (Tom) Fugitt, Jon (Becca) Tomkinson, Erik Andersen, and two great grandchildren; great granddaughter, Eva, and great grandson, "Little" Erik Andersen. She is preceded in death by her husband, Neil, and her son, Chris.

Murial's legacy is woven through the lives and memories of those she loved. She left the world more beautiful than she found it, and that is no small feat. We want to thank family and friends that held her and our hands, built passing over altars, gave encouragement for moms wishes, sent so much love, thoughtfulness, light, peace and positivity. Murial's body has been donated to the U of U Medical Center body donor program. Murial requested a memorial with family and friends next Spring, where her ashes will be scattered on the mountain with Neil and in the Montana rivers where she was raised.