Kathryn Murphy Obituary

Our loving mother, Kathryn "Kay" Murphy passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024 at the age of 92. Kay was likely the sweetest person you'd ever met, and few forgot her kindness, friendship and caring ways. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, grit, optimism and faith that will be cherished by all who were lucky enough to know her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, church volunteer and NWMSU alumna and retiree, Kay led a peaceful and joyous life. She was a widow at age 32 when her husband, Roy Murphy, passed away. With characteristic determination, she began to work full time at the University Library and eventually earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Library Science. She helped countless college students at Northwest as a reference librarian, work that she loved doing. Kay loved her family, friends, travel, reading, music, volunteering and singing in the First Presbyterian Church Choir, and attending community events. She could always be counted on to bring deviled eggs to potlucks and bake her special "Murphy Cake" for birthdays. Kay was a world traveler and managed to visit all 50 states – most with her children, and many countries overseas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Edward and Mrs. Bess Bachle, and her beloved husband, Roy. Kay leaves behind the family she loved so much: son Tim and daughter in law Denise Murphy, son Dan Murphy, and daughter Holly Murphy-Barstow and son in law Bruce Barstow, grandchildren Brett Barstow, Taylor Barstow, Lauren Hill and Danielle Madrid. She was thrilled to welcome her first great grandbabies last year – Sloane Krotseng and Aubrey Hill.
Services will be on Wednesday, October 16th at 10:30 am at First Presbyterian Church in Maryville, MO. Memorials are suggested to The Ministry Center in Maryville.
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