Barbara J. Murphy

STERLING – Barbara J. Murphy, 80, of Sterling, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Barbara was born Aug. 13, 1934, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Edward and Donna (Crinklaw) Sohler. She attended Mercy High School in Omaha, where she was a member of Sodality and was the vice prefect. Barbara also was a member of the Triple Trio Group in high school. She was selected “Teen of the Week” in 1952, and that same year she was selected “May Queen.” Barbara also was the “First Citizen of The Year” for her high school. Barbara attended St. Mary’s Catholic College in Omaha, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for 28 years. Barbara worked at Loretto Catholic Hospital in Chicago, the office of Dr. Samuel A. Libert in Oak Park, and The Center for Mental Health of Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

She married Thomas Joseph Murphy on June 17, 1961, in Omaha. Barbara was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, where she was a Eucharistic minister. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and playing the piano. She volunteered for funeral luncheons, and attended weekly Perpetual Adoration.

Survivors include one daughter, Megan Murphy of Sterling; four sons, Timothy (Cheryl) Murphy of DeKalb, Brian (Debra) Murphy of West Palm Beach, Florida, Paul Murphy of Mount Carroll, and Terrence Murphy of Waukegan; two sisters, Rita (Carl) Carlson and Shirley Mendenhall, both of Omaha; and six grandchildren, Katherine, Jacob, Brooke, Alanna, Emily, and Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Thomas, on Nov. 4, 2009.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, with the rosary recited at 3:45 p.m., at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 First Ave., Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, with the Rev. James Keenan officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.