Marlys Ann Murphy

Marlys Ann (Knudson) Murphy, 79 of Manvel, North Dakota died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

Marlys was born on January 6, 1946, in Grand Forks to Clifford Knudson and Adeline (Arneson) Knudson. Marlys was raised in Manvel, ND where she lived until moving to Grand Forks in 2019. Even after the move, she remained devoted to her hometown church of St Timothy’s in Manvel until the end, handling all the musical responsibilities and working with the choir. Her faith was of the utmost importance and guided her through everything in life.

 She married Francis James Murphy in December 1966, and they had six children: Brenna, Bridget, Carla, Jason, John and Paul. Marlys was widowed in 1978 and went on to raise six children on her own, continued to support the church, hauled kids to activities, and spent as much time as possible every summer with her kids in the Chippewa National Forest at Cass Lake.

 Marlys worked in the Grand Forks Central High School music department for many years, provided music for countless shows at the Fire Hall Theater, and supported so many artists, musicians, and musical and theater productions around the area that it would be impossible to list. Music brought her such joy and peace and was a huge part of her life from childhood to the very end, along with all the special people that music brought into her life. “When words fail, music speaks.”

More importantly, she was the best grandma and had such special and unique relationships with each of her grandchildren. Also, anyone that really knew Marlys knew how much she loved the MN Timberwolves and the MN Twins and knew not to call her or stop by if there was a game on.

Marlys was the most humble, honest, kind, supportive, caring, committed, and hard-working woman who wanted nothing more than to help others achieve their potential, live a spiritual life completely devoted to her faith, and to stay behind-the scenes never wanting the spotlight on her.

 Marlys is survived by her children, Brenna (Michael) Grossbauer, Bridget (Sidney) Kabah, Carla Sanden, Jason (Michelle) Murphy, John (Beth) Murphy, Paul (Nicole) Murphy; grandchildren, Brandon (Krystal) Moody, Justin (Haley) Moody, Madeline Grossbauer, Sydney (Xavier) Simpson, Austin Slaughter, Jonah Kabah, Carter (Kaylee) Sanden, John Sanden, Hannah (Cole) Bingham, Earl Murphy, and Lulu Murphy; great grandchildren, Milo and Clementine Moody, and Ella Simpson, brothers, Roger (Dori) Knudson and Ron (Sonja) Knudson; numerous other relatives and her very special friends at St Timothy’s Catholic Church in Manvel, especially the dedicated choir members.

 Marlys was preceded in death by her husband, Francis James Murphy, parents, Clifford and Adeline Knudson, brothers, Robert Owen Knudson and Donn (Cathy) Knudson, son-in-law, Jason Sanden, niece, Tara Knudson, nephew, Todd Knudson, great granddaughter, Penelope Moody, in-laws, Michael and Luella (Hutton) Murphy, Sr Michele Murphy, Vernon and Mary Zubrod.

 A mass in memory of Marlys will be planned at a later time. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Marlys would love for people to follow their dreams, find joy in whatever they’re passionate about, and to live a spiritual life always being kind. If people have stories they would like to share with the family, they can be mailed to: 2305 Fallcreek Ct, Grand Forks, ND 58201 (A music scholarship in Marlys' memory at Central High School. Contributions can be mailed to: Marlys Murphy Memory- Bremer Bank, PO Box 13118, Grand Forks, ND 58208.)