Susan Jane Muralt

Susan Jane (Rosscup) Muralt
It is with deep sadness, full hearts and much love that we announce the peaceful passing of Susan Jane (Rosscup) Muralt, of Missoula, Montana on June 15, 2022 at the age of eighty-four years. While we mourn the loss, we celebrate a life well-lived.

Susan is survived by her three children and four beloved grandchildren: Sharla Muralt of Seattle, Walter Muralt of Missoula, and Jeff Muralt of San Jose, Sharla's daughter Jadyn Muralt and Walter's children McKee, Mitchell, and Olivia. She is preceded in death by her three older brothers (Donald, Robert, Harold) and also by two older siblings that passed as children (Eunice and Hollis) . Susan is also survived by her good friends and sisters-in-law Phyllis Rosscup (Robert) and Gleneda Muralt.

Susan was born on January 31, 1938 in Rolla, North Dakota to Frederick Rosscup and Susan (Copeland) Rosscup. She began her life's work of community involvement early on. She was an accomplished pianist at a young age and played the organ at church during her school years. Susan also played the flute and danced in local performances. While in high school, she was a top student and captain of the cheerleading team. In later years, she adamantly assured her children that their athleticism was not purely fraternal, as evidenced by her cheerleading prowess. Susan continued to follow her pursuit of helping others by graduating from the Univ. of North Dakota in 1960 with a degree in Nursing. She began lifelong friendships with her Delta Delta Delta sisters while in college and did so well in her schooling that they asked her to remain as a nursing instructor, which she did for several years.

On June 10, 1962, Susan married Gary Muralt and they had three children: Sharla, Walter, and Jeff. They lived in several cities in North Dakota and Kansas, following Gary's career, before the couple decided to put down stakes permanently in Missoula, when they purchased, what is now known as, Muralt's Travel Plaza in 1975. While Gary was largely the face of the business, Susan was very instrumental and involved in all aspects and decisions as a co-founder.

Susan and Gary's marriage ended after thirty-five years, at which point Susan transitioned into community service and developed a passion for politics. She was heavily involved in the Five Valley Pachyderm Club (President), GOP Central Committee, led and helped many Republican campaigns for national, state and local offices. She strived for the betterment of the community by her involvement. She received the Tough Tusk award for her efforts within the Pachyderm Club. She was so very proud to have served as Montana's Republican Delegate for President Bush's 2004 election along with her good friend, Thelma Baker. Susan also served Montana as a delegate on an Asian trade mission with Senator Max Baucus in 2000.

Susan's charitable involvement included serving on the United Way, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and Foundation for Community Health (President) boards. United Way honored her with theSue Talbot Outstanding Volunteer award and she was instrumental in fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House (even though she preferred Wendy's cheeseburgers). She was one of the founders of the MCPS Senior All Night Party in 1984. In all of her involvement in the community and with people that knew her, she was known as a straight-talker and a hard charger who pushed to get things done. She had a quick wit, could be described as "sassy", indefatigable and loved to joke around and laugh. She enjoyed people and took pride in being helpful.

Susan was the youngest and the peacemaker of her family. She organized and relished the times that she and her brothers would all get together. Her laughter was infectious and would carry throughout the house. She continued to find spare moments to play piano while working and juggling the activities of three active children. She rarely missed a game or an event. Despite all of the demands on her time, her children could confidently look into the stands to see her supportive and enthusiastic presence (she certainly was not quiet if a referee dared call a foul on one of her undeserving offspring). She loved and appreciated the glorious view from her home of the beautiful Missoula valley, fireworks, sunsets, Ch-paa-qn Peak and, back in the day, hang gliders soaring over Mt. Sentinel.

Thank you to all of Susan's friends and others over the years that helped her to enjoy her life. Thank you to the numerous staff members at The Village that looked after Susan with care. Thank you to her hospice nurse Anne Revels, Pastor David Andrew and Dr. Janelle Donovan for their devoted attention and treatment for Susan and her family during her final months. Also, a heartfelt thanks to Susan's niece, Shawn Rosscup Hiesterman, for her regular visits and special attention that only a family member can provide.

A funeral service will be held July 21, 2022 at 11am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, with a lunch reception to follow.

Donations in Susan's honor may be made to Foundation for Community Health, United Way of Missoula or the charity of your choice and would be greatly appreciated by the family.