Janice Miriam Murphy, 80, of Denver, passed away peacefully at 2:54 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Blair Ridge Health Campus, Peru, as the final verse of Rock of Ages sang,
“While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgement throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.”
As Jan left this world, we all know she joyfully entered Heaven with a smile and is now truly, “finer than a frog’s hair!”
Born September 1, 1943, at her grandparent’s home in Fulton County, Indiana, she was the daughter of Robert Gordon and Marguerite Effie (Ball) Click. On July 14, 1963, at the Denver Methodist Church, she married Richard Raymond Murphy, and they enjoyed 60 years together.
Jan was a lifelong resident of Denver, Indiana, where she was a childhood member of the Denver Methodist Church. For close to fifty years, she was an active member of the Denver Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir and praise team. She helped with and participated in the church’s many programs and groups, including Bible school, children’s choirs, Sarah Society, Rusty Buckets, Sunday School, Bible study, and any opportunity to come gather with her friends and family to worship God.
Jan was a member of the first graduating class of North Miami High School in 1962. She later worked at the school in many capacities. She drove a bus and worked in the elementary kitchen for many years. Jan was an active member of her community. She loved helping others and pitched in for many projects over the years with the Denver Lions Club, helping make Lions’ ears and desserts for many dinners.
Jan loved to keep busy. She enjoyed square dancing, basket weaving, cake decorating, crocheting, and spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes and making delicious meals for her family and others. Her artistic skills could be seen in the baskets she made and the beautiful cakes she created for all occasions including many weddings, showers, and birthday celebrations. Jan had a passion for music and was known for her beautiful alto voice always adding perfect harmony to the many groups she sang with over the years.
Jan was ornery! She loved to tease others, always pointing her tickling finger and giving a loving pinch to anyone. She would wake her children for school by banging on a pan or giving extra encouragement with a cup of cold water and singing “Rise, and Shine, and Give God the Glory!” Jan had an infectious smile and could bring joy to any room she entered.
Survivors include her husband, Dick Murphy; son, Anthony “Tony” Murphy; and daughter, Michelle Murphy, all of Denver; granddaughter, London Quinn Murphy, Greenwood; sister, Linda (Gary) Loveless, Indianapolis; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Bob Masten, Denver; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, Denver.
Visitation will be from 3-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Westlawn Cemetery, Denver. Condolences can be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.
