Evelyn Lorene Murphy

Evelyn Lorene Murphy, age 104, of Albia, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at her home in Albia, IA. Evelyn was born on April 13, 1916, to George and Maude Grace (Fry) Nucko, at home in Albia. She grew up and attended school in Albia, graduating from the Albia High School with the Class of 1935. On April 6, 1940, she was united in marriage to Michael Thomas “MT” Murphy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. Evelyn and MT shared 40 years of marriage prior to his passing in 1980. Evelyn was a homemaker her whole life and also worked as a store clerk at Spurgeon’s and Latimore’s stores in Albia. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia as well as a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Evelyn was musically talented, playing the organ and the piano. She loved to be outdoors, keeping up her beautiful garden and yard, which she mowed herself until she was 90 years old. She enjoyed canning her produce, loved to make big meals for her family and was known for her homemade bread. She was very generous, always taking care of others. She was a great mother and grandmother who taught her family to follow “the golden rule.” Above all else, Evelyn loved her family and treasured the time spent with them, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Evelyn is survived by a son, Bill (Judy) Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Charlene Murphy; 8 grandchildren, Joni Halford, Michael Murphy, Mark (Marina) Murphy, Tommy (Christina) Murphy, Annie (John) Prescott, Jennifer (Mike) Sinclair, Lynn (Mike) Beard, and Becky (Mike) Teno; 18 great grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren. Evelyn is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Thomas “MT” Murphy; 2 sons, Michael “Mick” Murphy and Thomas Joseph Murphy; a grandson, Billy Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Jean Murphy; her parents, George and Maude Nucko; her sisters, Mamie Manley and Eleanor Harris; and her brothers, Edwin Hurd and Joseph Nucko. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Evelyn’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.

Evelyn Lorene Murphy

April 13, 1916 - February 24, 2021