Loretta M. Murphy

Loretta M. Murphy, age 84 of Grant, formerly of Holton, passed away Tuesday at the Poppen Hospice Residence in Muskegon. Loretta was born on March 10, 1925 in Muskegon to Elmer and Gladys (Gates) Lutes and graduated from Muskegon High School. She married Philip Murphy Jr. on Sept. 20, 1947 in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on April 28, 1970. Loretta had been the branch librarian for the Muskegon Public Library – Holton Branch for 25 years until her retirement in 1986 and had been a longtime resident of the Holton area until she moved to Grant in 1990. Loretta was a former member of the Holton United Methodist Church and enjoyed gardening, knitting, taking care of her pets, family genealogy and had been active in 4H and Girl Scouts.

Loretta is survived by her daughters, Jill Murphy of Kalamazoo; Lora Jean (Dale) Grabill of Grant; grandchildren, Jodie (Imos) Wu; Darrell Grabill (special friend, Amy Lawless); Daniel (Robin) Grabill; Dustin (Bre) Grabill; Andrew Ferris; great grandchildren, Gavin Grabill and Micah Wu; her sister-in-law, Eleanor Lutes of Muskegon; 6 nieces and nephews;. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip S. Murphy Jr.; her brother, Jack Lutes and by her sister, Martha Swenor.

VISITATION : Friday, February 5, 2010 from 6-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel and 1 hour prior to the funeral services at the church. FUNERAL SERVICES : Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 11am at the Holton United Methodist Church. INTERMENT : Oakwood Cemetery in Holton. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Harbor Hospice or Holton Library.

I only heard of Mrs. Murphy’s passing, late last night and I am committed to work today, the day of her funeral.

Loretta Murphy will always be remembered by me as a very intelligent woman and someone who almost always had a smile on her face and a chuckle in her heart. Growing up , I spent time at her house visiting with Lora Jean. I remember a big fireplace, I remember Mr. Murphy and I remember the dogs. Dachshunds. Ginger? I believe one of them was named. I remember you too Jill. A cute little kid with very blond hair. Good family, warm friends and great neighbors. Loretta Murphy was one of the people I remember who was part of my growing up days. People who made the school the heart of the community. People who took an interest in the kids of the community, who participated in developing our skills. I’m proud to say I knew Loretta Murphy. A good person, a strong woman, a caregiver. I know I will see her smile again someday and hear that chuckle. God bless her family.

Kathie Stenberg

Posted 2/6/2010