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To my beautiful mother, you were the heart and soul of our family, teaching us strength, love, grace and hope. Your selfless love and gentle guidance will live in our hearts forever.
My mother, my best friend, Margaret June Murray, passed away on May 13, 2026 at Canyon Creek Memory Care of Billings, Montana, from the results of dementia and a stroke. She was skillfully and lovingly cared for by nurses, caregivers and food and activities personnel. She had lived there for three years and five months. Many friendships were made during this last phase of her life. So many workers came up to my family and relayed stories of happiness and humor about her. All those hugs, to mom and our family members, are forever remembered and embedded in our hearts.
We have a small family, but everyone visited to tell mom goodbye. She was able to meet all her great-grandchildren, the newest granddaughter being the fourth generation.
She leaves behind a loving family, daughter Cindy, son-in-law Steve, and grandchildren. Steve (with wife Ali) and Dr. Olivia Johnson (with husband Mason); three beautiful great-granddaughters, Harper Rogers, almost 4 years, and Ivy Rogers, 17 months, and Penelope Johnson, 6 months also survive her.
Margaret Burnside was born June 24, 1938 and was raised in Craig, Colorado, to loving parents. They instilled in her the love of the outdoors and the value of family time. Her favorite outing was a picnic; so for the weekly visits, we packed up a picnic basket and shared it with her at Canyon Creek. She always was so happy at our arrival, and told us "How Wonderful!!" We were just as delighted! She remembered me to the very end.
Mom met her soldier sweetheart and love of her life, Tim D. Murray, while working for the local newspaper after her high school graduation. His daily visit won her over and the two were married on June 17, 1956. This union produced two children, daughter, Cindy Rogers of Powell and a son, William (Bill) who died of asthma at 17 years old. Her husband Tim passed away at age 93 on Aug. 16, 2025, also at Canyon Creek.
In their 69 years, they traveled the world for work and pleasure. Her best memories were from living in Stonehaven, Scotland, for three years. Here she found a deep love of history and antiques, eventually opening her own Antique and Tea Shop in Powell Drug.
Wherever she lived, she always found a group of friends; some lasting decades. Her sense of humor and creativity led to many trips, adventures and lovely homes. She ran the household her entire life while raising two children.
She always kept positive and strong in faith, even when life threw in tragedy. She lost her older sister to a car wreck when she was only 14, plus her son to asthma at age 17. Throughout it all she remained steadfast and positive.
Retirement in Powell meant working the antique shop and soda shop with her husband Tim at Powell Drug. Main Street gave them lots of friends. Many followed them to the next business, Lavender Rose Gift Shop and Eatery, where again they worked side by side.
Mom, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are so deeply loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. We see your legacy all around us, in your decorating, photos and albums, favorite meals, Scottish traditions, and now for us and we can still feel your love and pride for each and everyone of us.
An unauthored quote: "A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, 'Grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you, keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we're together again.'"
The grief of losing you (and dad) is heavy, but the gratitude of having you as my mother (and father) is far greater.
I find comfort in knowing that your pain is gone and that you are at peace — with your loving soldier husband, Tim, again.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Powell Senior Citizens Center.
Graveside services will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2 p.m.
