Barbara Murphy died peacefully in her sleep on September 2, 2019 at the age of 94 in Loveland, CO. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Murphy; her parents, Walter and Lois Barton; sister, Dorothy Barton (Glen) Schaaf; sister, Joan Barton (Quentin) Tenney; and brother, John "Mike" (Patty) Barton. She is survived by her son, David (Victoria) Murphy of Wolcott, NY; son Stephen (Judy) Murphy of Anchorage, AK; daughter Kathleen (Scott) Mason of Fort Collins, CO; and special honorary daughter Judith Dunbar Hines of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Megan Murphy of Queens, NY; Erin Murphy of Gyeongsan, South Korea; Laura Mason (Jackson) Ferguson of Lafayette, CO; Bryant (Sara) Mason of Paonia, CO; Kathleen Murphy of Portland, OR; and Aaron (Sarah) Jansen of Anchorage, AK; great grandchildren Noah, William, Zoe, and Abigail Jansen of Anchorage, AK; and Benjamin Ferguson of Lafayette, CO; and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was born on June 10, 1925 in St. Paul, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and became an elementary school teacher. She married Robert Murphy and in their long and happy marriage, they lived in Minnesota, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, and eventually retired to Sarasota, Florida. Barbara moved to Colorado five years ago to be closer to family. Barbara was beloved by her family and friends for her positive outlook and sense of humor. She loved traveling with Bob and visiting family and friends all over the United States. In her long and active life, she enjoyed camping, horseback riding, canoeing, bird watching, reading, music, and being a very special grandmother.
Interment will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Barbara's memory can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the Loveland Green House Homes for Life Enrichment.