Betty Murphy

Betty June Murphy (92), formerly of Independence, died January 17, 2016, in Decatur, Illinois. A graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence at 2:00 on Thursday, January 21, 2016.

Betty was born on March 26, 1923, in Fayette, Missouri, the only child of Dr. Walter and Jewell (Thomas) Ackerson. She grew up loving music and learned to play the piano, organ, and clarinet. Betty earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri, and then went to work for the Breon Chemical Company in Kansas City, Missouri. On May 11, 1944, Betty married Charles O. (Pat) Murphy, Jr., and they celebrated 64 years together. Pat preceded per in death on June 4th, 2008. Betty and Pat were blessed with two children, and made their home in Independence where they had Murphy's Shoe Store. Betty and Pat were active members of the First Christian Church where their Future Planners class was dear to both of them. In her leisure time, Betty enjoyed golf, bridge, oil painting, making music, and traveling. In 2003, Betty and Pat left Independence and moved to Decatur, Illinois, where they joined Central Christian Church.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She leaves behind her sons, Dr. Walter S. Murphy (Sheri) of Parsons, Kansas, and Dr. C. Michael Murphy (Deanna) of Decatur, Illinois, 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren.

Service

Cemetery