Ella Sue Murray, 97, of Springfield, MO, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, at Springfield Rehab and Healthcare Center, Springfield, MO, with her family by her side. Ella Sue was born August 27, 1926, in Willard, MO, and was one of four children born to Edwin Leo East, Sr. and Marie (Ross) East.

Ella Sue was a diligent student and loved school. Shortly after she graduated from Willard High School she trained in the Army Cadet Nurse Corps, where she thrived and developed a lifelong respect for the nursing profession. She married Max Murray, Sr., on July 28, 1946, and they enjoyed 67 years together until his death in 2013. They had four children, a daughter and three sons. Ella Sue and Max were devoted partners in life, both personally and professionally, working alongside each other in numerous business ventures including a trash company and the Springfield Regional Stockyards.

Ella Sue centered her life on God and her daily walk was synonymous with church life. She was saved at five years old and was instrumental in leading many others to Jesus, including her husband. Ella Sue was a member of Glidewell Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, sang the hymns that she felt so deeply in her bones, and treasured listening to her daughter play the organ. Music was always a great comfort and inspiration to her.

Ella Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Howard Bently East, Edwin Leo East, Jr., and Joe East; her cherished husband, Max Murray, Sr.; and her beloved daughter, Jeannie Rhoads. She is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Mark and Loretta Murray, Gordon and Karen Murray, Max Jr. and Julie Murray, all of Springfield, MO; her faithful son-in-law, Michael Rhoads (Becky); 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; and countless extended family and friends.

Services will begin at 3:00 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, North, with a visitation from 2:00-3:00 pm also in the funeral home. She will be buried in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in Ella Sue’s name to: Glidewell Baptist Church, 5801 N. Farm Rd. 141, Springfield, MO 65803.

Fond memories and condolences may be left on this site.