Viola Murphy
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Private memorial services and inurnment for Viola A. “Babs” Murphy, 92, of Lawrence, KS will be at a later date. She died on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.
She was born on September 28, 1919 in Wayside, KS, the daughter of Oscar & Susan Beard Maupin.
Mrs. Murphy was a homemaker and also had owned a peach and apple orchard in Conway Springs, KS for many years. She had lived in Conway Springs, KS for twenty years and Aurora, CO for thirty years, before moving to Lawrence just three weeks ago.
She loved life in many ways including her family, the mountains, and animals, especially dogs.
Mrs. Murphy was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Aurora Book Club, and the Aurora Women’s Club. Formerly, she served her daughters as a PTA member, a frequent school room mother, and a costume maker.
She was married to Claude “Pat” Murphy on September 11, 1939 in Ottawa, KS. He preceded her in death April 19, 1981.
Survivors include two daughters, Sheila (husband, John) Immel of Lawrence, KS, Patricia (husband, Dennis) Johnson of Centennial, CO; four grandchildren; Jamie Immel Turner, Jennifer Immel Oldridge, Taylor Johnson Foster, and Alexandra Murphy Johnson; and five great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials in her name to the Lawrence Humane Society or the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Linda and I are saddened at the passing of “Pony”. She was a wonderful character and will be well remembered by her friends and family. RIP
Babs will be remembered always. We see her in her daughters and grand children. What a fun and positive person!
I’ll never forget meeting Pony at thanksgiving when I was a student at KU. It was my first holiday away from home. Her granddaughter, Jen, invited me along to Iola. It wasn’t surprising that she was so warm, hospitable, and full of life, had spunk, and colorful stories (knowing her daughter and granddaughter). Her mashed potatoes were unforgettable, too! It was a real treat to meet her. May she rest in peace and her family be comforted with Pony’s everlasting love.
When we think of “Babs”, we thing of a grandmother who was intimately involved in the lives of her family. How she loved being part of every event! And we think of a lady who never let her age determine her appearance; no dowdy, aging styles for her! She was a good model in that for the rest of us whose ages are creeping up. We know you will miss her, and we are sorry for your loss.
Be Blessed today—John and Arlene
Patsy and family, what a beautiful photo. I remember Patsy speaking of her wonderful spirit. Thinking of you all–so sorry for your loss.
To Sheila and Patsy, my deepest condolences for loss of your Mother. I remember her as the beautiful wife of Pat and Mother
of two beautiful daughters. I remember she let me gather a bushel of apples that had fallen
off trees: they were so delicious. My folks had the farm with the grove of Catalpa
trees across from the Orchard.
I trust that she is in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I was so saddened to hear about Babs. She was one of my favorite people and I missed her so much when she moved out to Colorado from Conway Springs. I have so many fond memories of her and your dad at the Orchard. I kept in touch with her and so enjoyed our letters, phone calls and even our visits when “my” Taylor would come out to volleyball tourneys. We loved staying with her. There will never be anyone else like her…she will be missed terribly but what a wonderful life she had.
God Bless