Roxanne Murfield

Roxanne “Roxy” Murfield, age 75, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy woven with sparkles, sawdust, deep wisdom, and an abundance of love. Born on June 20, 1951, to the late Peggy and Donald Null, Roxy lived a life that was as vibrant as it was intentional.

Roxy’s early life was anything but ordinary. She grew up playing in her family’s band, which was uniquely named after her. The family traded ordinary routines for the magic of the traveling circus. Roxy performed various aerial and ground acts under the big top and even assisted the legendary TV actor "Sky King."

Roxy left behind the sawdust, spangles and the sparkles of her youth to marry the love of her life, Michael Murfield. Together, they shared a beautiful, enduring marriage of 55 years, building a foundation of devotion that would define the rest of her days.

For over 30 years, she poured her heart into teaching preschool, shaping the minds and hearts of countless children. In her 40s, showing the determination and intelligence that defined her character, Roxy went back to college to obtain her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Throughout her career, she brought joy to classrooms at Head Start, Angel House, New Castle Public Schools, Beyond the Bell, and Storytime Preschool. Roxy was a fixture at local rummage sales and craft fairs, always on the hunt for the perfect, creative treasure she could bring back to her students. Her impact was so profound that decades later, numerous former students and parents would stop and say hello whenever they saw her out and about in the community.

To know Roxy was to know what it felt like to be truly seen. She possessed a uniquely thoughtful way of loving those around her. Her gifts were rarely conventional, but they were always chosen with meticulous care, reflecting just how deeply she paid attention to the people in her life. Often, it wasn’t until much later that you realized just how perfectly she had matched the gift to your soul.

Roxy was fiercely devoted to her family. She showed up for the people she loved, offering quiet support, steady encouragement, and an empathetic ear. Her kindness and ability to make people feel valued will continue to live on through the family she adored so completely.

Her vibrant spirit and enduring legacy of love will be carried forward by her devoted husband, Michael Murfield. She was a deeply proud mother of Missy (Matt) Carpenter, Michealeen (Brian) Friesner, and Benjamin (Leyna) Murfield.

Her greatest joy was found in her growing family, and she absolutely adored her grandchildren. Her love lives on in Missy's children, Zandria, Brandi, and Dani Jo; Michealeen's children, Luke and Braelyn; and Benjamin's children, Lyla, Jaxon, and Mia. Together with her two precious great-grandchildren, Alaylah and Emmitt, they all will forever hold dear the magical stories, wisdom, and warmth she blessed them with.

Roxy's memory will also be fiercely cherished by her loving siblings, who shared in the adventures of her youth and the comfort of her adult life: Toni (Ron) McIntyre, Gloria Timberlake, Isom (Dayne) Null, Gigi Price, and Angela (Billy) Martin. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Patty Woods & Theresa Fitzgibbons, and several nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt by her entire family, her cherished circus family, and the hundreds of students whose lives she so beautifully touched and transformed over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations can be made in Roxy's honor to support her lifelong legacy of care and protection: SafePlace, 1723 Grandview Blvd, Sioux City, IA, 51105

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel (1801 Morningside Ave) with Visitation taking place from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will be at 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery (6605 Morningside Ave).