Ora Irene Murphy
Ora Irene Murphy
Ora Irene Murphy
October 17, 1912 – July 05, 2014
Amana, Iowa | Age 101
Ora Irene Murphy, 101, of Amana, formerly of Hedrick, died Saturday, July 5, 2014 at Colonial Manor in Amana. She was born October 17, 1912 in Deep River, the daughter of Clarence and Edith McWilliams Wilson.
Ora graduated from Deep River High School in 1930, Iowa State Teachers College in 1932, and attained her BA degree at William Penn in 1959.
On June 28, 1939, Ora was united in marriage to Harold Murphy at Brandon, Iowa. In 1941, Harold and Ora moved to the Hedrick area. She taught at country schools for several years prior to her marriage and later returned to her chosen career, teaching for a total of 33 years, including 3 years in Hedrick and 20 years in Ottumwa. She retired in 1975.
Ora was an active member of Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church. She was instrumental in the creation of the Hedrick Memorial Library, was a charter board member, and remained active and passionate about the work of the library for over 50 years. She was also a 50+ year member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Order of the Eastern Star.
Ora’s spirit of humility, gentle living and giving, patience, and appreciation of each person she encountered remained constant throughout her life and will remain a model for loved ones. Beautiful whistling, delicious homemade noodles and cinnamon rolls, and good books will forever be cherished reminders of Ora.
She is survived by her son Michael (Pat) Murphy of Fruita, Colorado; two daughters: Molly (Ray) Cramer of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Mary (Ron) Capps of Cedar Rapids; much loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; two nieces, a nephew, and several cousins.
Ora was preceded in death by her husband in 1996; a granddaughter, Heather Cramer Reu; her parents; and sister, Mary Johnston.
Memorial services will be held Friday, August 15, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. in the Fremont Funeral Chapel with Reverend Bill Hornback officiating.
Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. until service time, with the family present to greet friends and relatives.
Burial will be at Brooks Cemetery in Hedrick, Iowa
Memorials may be made to the Hedrick Memorial Library, Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church, or Essence of Life Hospice of Amana.
