Martha Murphy

Martha Sue (Smith) Murphy of Strafford, Mo. passed away on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006 in St. John's Hospital following a recent fall in her home.

Martha was born March 24, 1926 in Willard, MO., the daughter of the late Harold B. and Lucille H. (Appleby) Smith. She was united in marriage to Edward J. Murphy, Jr. in 1946. Mr. Murphy who preceded her in death in 1983, was Postmaster in Strafford for 32 years.

After living over 10 years at the Lyman Farm, presently the location of Springfield Underground, she moved to Sunny Slope Farm near Strafford. Martha attended Shady Dell Grade School and graduated from Strafford High School in 1944. During her life she worked as a telephone operator, homemaker, and for the McBee Corporation and Springfield Tablet Company. Martha was a long time member of Strafford Methodist Church.

Martha Sue was very talented at a variety of arts and crafts. She particularly enjoyed working with her church quilting group and also enjoyed travel as well as a large array of sewing and decorating projects.

Surviving Martha are her son, Tim Murphy and his wife, Ellen of Milwaukee, Wisc.; her brother, Arthur A. Smith, M.D. and his wife, Jeannette of Edwardsville, Ill.; her brother-in-law, James Murphy and his wife, Melva; eight nieces and nephews; several cousins; her special quilting friends; and numerous other friends and neighbors.

There will be a visitation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home 500 E. Walnut Springfield, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 at Dishman Cemetery, State Hwy C in Strafford, Mo with Rev. Gene Nicholson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dishman Cemetery Association c/o Judy Campbell, 713 W. Bluegrass Rd. Strafford, Mo. 65757 or the charity of one's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.hhlohmeyer.com.