Mardell Murrow, 83, passed away Saturday, April 7, in San Antonio, Texas after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Feb. 16, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Frank and Winifred Bentzin, Mardell spent her childhood in Minnesota with her parents and three brothers, and graduated from Austin High School in 1947. She married David Murrow of South Bend, Indiana in 1959, and the couple had two children, David Murrow, Jr. and Shari Murrow Chu. The family settled in Houston in 1964.

Upon retirement in 1995, Dave and Mardell moved to San Antonio. In the 1950s, Mardell became a professional court reporter and stenographer, a career she pursued for approximately 40 years. During her many years in criminal and civil courts in Harris County, she worked on a number of high-profile cases including several infamous trials. Dedicated to serving her community, Mardell enjoyed helping others and was a wonderful leader. Throughout the years, she served as president of the Harris County Court Reporters Association and was the first president of her neighborhood HOA in San Antonio.

Mardell also loved volunteering as a Reading Angel at the Achiever’s School and in several ministry areas at University United Methodist Church. Mardell had a zest for life and was known for her optimism, generous heart, and sense of humor. She made friends everywhere she went. She was a rabid sports fan and a longtime season ticket holder to Houston Rockets basketball games. However, she easily converted to a Spurs fan when she moved to San Antonio. She loved line dancing, playing the piano and late night Scrabble games with her grandkids. Her delight in and love for her family was deep and lasting. Mardell also adored her loyal West Highland Terrier, Daisy.

Mardell is survived by her youngest brother, Bill Bentzin and his wife, Iva, of Sweetwater, Minn.; sisters-in-law Irene Bentzin and Minnie Bentzin of Austin, Minn.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Greg and Ann Murrow of Lago Vista, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Henry Chu of Helotes, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, David, Jr. and Gina Murrow, of Anchorage, Ala.; grandchildren Sarah Chu of College Station, Texas, Lauren Chu of San Antonio, Andrea Murrow and Victoria Murrow of Anchorage, David Murrow III; his wife, Kristan; and great-grandsons, Gabriel and Gideon Murrow of Wasilla, Ala.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala, San Antonio, TX 78249. Flowers may be sent to the church or a donation may be made in Mardell’s memory to International Child Care Ministries, 770 N. High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214, or to University United Methodist Church. There is an online guestbook at www.missionparks.com, under the obituary section.