Laura Evelyn Murphy

Laura Evelyn (Winder) Murphy of Mankato, Kansas, was born on November 10th, 1916, on the family farm in the Victor township of Osbonre County, Kansas, to Daniel and Myrtle (Hughes) Winder. She died Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Mitchell County Health Systems Long-term Care, Beloit, Kansas, at the age of 94 years, 2 months, and 19 days.

She grew up in the country where her parents farmed. Laura had three brothers- Paul, Clyde and Carl and two sisters - Elva and Eleanor. She attended Victor Elementary school and the country grade school. She attended high school in Covert and Paradise and finished her junior year before leaving school to help her parents at home during the depression. Laura spent much of her time taking care of her sister, Eleanor and felt more like a mother to her than a sister. Because of this they formed a special bond and have always been very close to each other.

Laura met Charles Murphy, a friend of her brothers, and was married on November 21, 1932. They moved around quite a bit during the early years of their marriage, it was during the depression and work was scarce. They purchased a farm in Salina and lived there for 2 years, before moving to Covert where they lived for the next 15 years and Laura worked as a cook at the elementary school. They moved to Russell, Garnet, and Junction City before settling in Mankato for the next 20 years. Laura moved to an apartment for 10 years before moving to Long-term Care.

Laura loved to sew and crochet, and made most of the clothes for her family. She and Charles enjoyed traveling, especially to Canada. She was a member of the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, and a member of the Sarah Circle.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles in 1995; son, Stanley; three brothers; sisters; infant grandson; and great-grandchild.

Laura is survived by three daughters – Marilyn Struebing of Salina, Kansas. Betty and husband, Ron Schremmer of Hoisington, Kansas, and Loretta and husband, Ben Evans of Beloit, Kansas; son – Gerald and wife, Ann Murphy of Wakefield, Kansas; daughter-in-law – Fredricka Murphy of Mankato; sister Eleanor Murphy of Natoma, Kansas; 22 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service for Laura E. Murphy was Monday, January 31, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, with Pastor Mark McReynolds officiating. Music was performed by Lyle Dauner, pianist, Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle, soloist. Casket bearers were: Kyle Murphy, Kelly Struebing, Terry Struebing, Chuck Murphy, Steven Murphy, and Gary Janes. Graveside service was at 1:30 pm, Monday, January 31, 2011, at the Cornith Cemetery, south of Downs, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to Sarah Circle at the church, or Senior Citizens Center.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.