Elizabeth “Betty” E. Murphy, 88, died at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Betty was born December 21, 1930, the daughter of James and Roslyn (Cumrine) Lauff. She married John J. Murphy on May 27, 1950, at St. Mary Church. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2009.
Betty was a life long member of St. Mary Church, Sterling, IL, and Altar and Rosary Society. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.
Survivors include six daughters, Barbara (Philip) Bruketta, of Rock Falls, IL, Carolyn (Curt) Kreider, of Sterling, Dr. Julien Murphy, of Cape Elizabeth, ME, Ellen (John) Kaltenbach, of Carol Stream, IL, Ann (Dean) Ufkin, of Morrison, IL, and Jean (Mark) Thomaschefsky, of Sterling; one son, Frank (Linda) Murphy, of Sterling; 13 grandchildren, Andrew Bruketta, Jim Bruketta and Tim Bruketta, Bruce (Jill) Kreider, Barry Kreider, Mark (Ashley) Murphy, Ross Bushman, Kathleen Bushman, August Ufkin, Christian Ufkin, Rachel Thomaschefsky, Sarah Thomaschefsky, and Matthew Thomaschefsky; great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one brother, William Lauff; two granddaughters, Jennifer Thomaschefsky and Karin Murphy.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue, in Sterling, IL, with the Rosary recited at 4:45 p.m.
Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, IL, with Reverend Richard R. Kramer, Celebrant, officiating.
Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Sterling, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to St. Mary Catholic Church organ fund and Rock River Hospice and Home.