Ellen Louise Murphy

Dateline: Spring Grove, MN Ellen L. Murphy was born on August 11, 1948, in Spring Grove, Minnesota. She passed away on March 17, 2024, after a very sudden decline in her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was only 75 years old. Ellen was a caring life partner, mother, grandmother/nana, sister, and aunt. She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community of Spring Grove. The simplest of pleasures in life brought great joy to Ellen. She loved an evening with friends with a beer in her hand, comfy sweatshirts, and spending time with her family, especially grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She had an uncanny ability to win more than she lost, whether it was pull tabs or a bingo video game. She was strong-willed and stubborn at times but also had an enormous heart. She doted on her grandchildren and loved to make their time together memorable either by teaching them how to cook Strul, talking about family history or playing card games. Ellen was committed to ensuring the well-being and needs of her mother, Ione, and Steve’s mother Gyneth. These traits defined Ellen and were part of who she was, as she was a wonderful person who could be relied on when needed. In her earlier years, Ellen taught Sunday School, helped with elementary enrollment screenings, and was a leader for both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She continued as a dedicated volunteer for school activities, especially if her children were involved, and was a very active member of the band boosters. As an American Legion Auxiliary member, she volunteered for numerous blood drives and Syttende Mai and Music in the Park food stands. She was a part of different church committees, such as the church newsletter and work groups that served at community gatherings. Ellen was very proud of her hometown and a loyal supporter and volunteer for many activities in the community. She cheered on every sport of the local high school and helped to start the band booster’s marching band uniform committee. Ellen was proud to wear her Spring Grove Lion’s attire and supported all their endeavors. She was also a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan so much so that she refused any phone calls on Sundays because it may affect the outcome of the game. Ellen is survived by her loving partner of more than 30+ years, Steven Onsgard, who, through his love and commitment to her, helped her remain strong during her illness, her son James Murphy, and daughter Lisa (Bernie) Clement, and her five grandchildren Ethan Murphy, Bree Murphy, Wyatt Murphy, Jaedyn Freshwater, and Abbigayle Murphy. She is also survived by her brother Roger (Deb) Benson, sister Linda (Dennis) Williams, and sister Diane (Bill) Pintz, and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alden and Ione Benson, her brother David Benson, nephew Michael Williams and great-niece Alyssa Williams. Funeral services for Ellen will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Pastor Elizabeth Hermeier will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 until time of service, at the church. Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ellen Louise Murphy

August 11, 1948 - March 17, 2024