Debra Murphy

Obituary of Debra Lynn Murphy

     Debra (Debbie, Deb) was born on Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th, 1953 to Clifford and Mary Murphy, a lucky day for a daughter of Irish heritage.

     Debbie's parents were both born and raised in the Boise Valley. After having their first child, they moved to Oregon where Debbie was born in Prairie City. A younger brother and sister were also added to the family during their time in Oregon. As a child, Debbie loved trips to Grandma Harris's farm in Boise where she spent time with cousins doing her favorite things - playing outdoors and riding horses.

     When Debbie was thirteen, the family moved back to the Boise Valley. She went on to graduate from Capital High School and worked in retail and as an auto parts delivery girl, which she enjoyed. She spent the remainder of her life in the Boise area where she lived a lively and colorful life. She had many adventures including a sight-seeing road trip across America.

     Debbie loved Native American art and displayed her collection of pictures, pottery, and feathers in her cozy apartment - along with an assortment of Betty Boop memorabilia. She was also an animal lover and enjoyed many furry friends during her life. Her last beloved pet was a fluffy black and white bobtail kitty named Fuzz, who kept her company and comforted her during her battle with breast cancer.

     Friends and family were an important part of Debbie's life since she did not have children of her own. Her siblings Claudia, Cecil and Myla shared their faith in Jesus with Debbie over the years and helped her in her struggles many times. Pastor Tom Blackburn and his wife Ginger, had a big impact on Debbie's life. Ginger would call Debbie daily to encourage and pray with her. A lovely 90+ year-old friend, Gladys, would drop by on Sundays and drive Debbie to church. Debbie joked that riding with Gladys was an exercise in faith, but she absolutely loved her. These were the times her walk with Jesus was the strongest. They both preceded Debbie in death. Their loss had a deep impact on her life.

     Debbie is preceded by her father Clifford Earl Murphy (1927-2015). She is survived by her mother Mary Belle Harris Murphy (1929 to current), and her siblings Claudia (Stan) Hopper, Cecil (Bea) Murphy, and Myla (Emmet) Dalton. She is also survived by 3 nephews, 6 nieces, 6 great-nephews, and 5 great-nieces. On the Murphy side, she is survived by several aunts and dozens of cousins. On the Harris side, she is survived by her uncle Jesse (Dyan) Harris and 7 cousins.

     The family wishes to thank Dr. Billy Galligar, the staff and palliative care team at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and Ancora Hospice for the care and support they all gave Debbie and her family during her last month of life.

     In lieu of flowers, donate to your local food bank or to the Idaho Humane Society.

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