Kathy Murphy's Obituary
Norma Kathleen "Kathy" Murphy, 87, of Unionville, Missouri, passed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 27, 2026. Kathy was born on January 17, 1939, in Central City, to John and Maude Clark. She spent her entire life in Putnam County. Kathy grew up with her older sister, Kay, and had younger siblings, Tommy, Annette, and Tammy.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kyle (Linda) Murphy, Kelly (Bob) Bruce, Kerri (Verl) Hollon, and Kameron (Christy) Murphy; her sisters, Annette (Derek) Yoshikawa and Tammy (Roger) Casady; special friend, Bill Pickering; and the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who brought her so much joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kay; her brother, Tommy; her beloved husband, Richard Murphy; her children, Kent Murphy and Kristi Mastin; and her grandsons, Austin Bruce and Jake Hollon.
Kathy was a proud 1957 graduate of what is now Putnam County High School. Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Murphy, on June 1,1957. Together they built a life on the family farm west of Unionville, where they raised their six children and created a home filled with faith, love, laughter, and hard work.
Faith was the foundation of Kathy's life. A lifelong member of West Liberty Church, she joyfully served the Lord in countless ways. For many years, she faithfully played the piano during worship services, sharing her musical gifts with generations of church members.
Kathy's greatest calling was caring for her family. As a devoted farm wife and mother, she poured herself into creating a loving home where everyone was welcomed with a warm meal and a caring heart. Her family will always remember her famous chicken salad, blueberry cookies, deviled eggs, homemade pies, and fresh yeast rolls. No matter how busy farm life became, Kathy often stayed up late into the night making sure that her children had clean clothes to wear and that their uniforms were washed and ready for the next day's ballgames and activities.
Her children treasure memories of bedtime stories, especially her beloved retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. An accomplished seamstress, Kathy lovingly made many of her children's clothes by hand. One memorable tiger costume she created for Halloween became a cherished family tradition, worn by most of her children and later by many of her grandchildren.
Along with her many responsibilities at home, Kathy worked for 15 years at the local ASCS office, where she was known for her efficiency, intelligence, dedication and friendly smile. She took great pride in her work.
Kathy leaves behind a lasting legacy through her family. She is survived by her children: Kyle, Kelly, Kerri, and Kameron.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Skyler and Summer Murphy; Murphy and Delbert Mastin; Jesse Knowles; Megan (Brian) Quint, Mitch (Nico) Murphy, and Morgen Murphy; Riley (Seneca) Bruce; Jordan (Aaron) Buford and Shelby Hollon; and Ezra and Margaret Murphy.
Her great-grandchildren include Jaylee, Jonathan, Jesslyn and Jenna Knowles; Tristen Festervand; Ada Evans; Cody (Bridget) Quint and kids, Carson (Lauren) Quint, and Carter Quint; Layne, Jude, Declan, and Lyla Mastin; Markham and Vivian Mastin as well as Murphy and Rowan Buford
More than anything, Kathy will be remembered for her unwavering faith, servant's heart, quiet strength, generous hospitality, and unconditional love for her family. She lived a life marked by humility and devotion, always putting God first and others before herself. Her legacy will continue through the generations she nurtured with her prayers, her example, and her steadfast love.
Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise she believed throughout her life-that because of her faith in Jesus Christ, she is now home with her Lord and Savior.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2:00 pm, at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, MO. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Union Church Cemetery.
Memorials in Kathy's Honor may be made to the West Liberty Church and entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S 27th St, Unionville, MO 63565.
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