Rhuney Patterson Murphy, 93, of 713 Oakwood Drive, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2013, after a brief illness.
The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, in the Fair Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Lawson Cemetery.
Rhuney was a native of Spray and was born in the family home located on Hill Street to George W. and Cora Frye Patterson on December 20, 1919. A 1937 graduate of Leaksville High School, she was initially employed at Hatley‚àö¬¢‚Äö?ᬮ‚Äö?묢s Laundry and later at the corporate office for Fieldcrest Mills in the finance department. She married Booker Issac Murphy, her husband of 54 years, in October 1949 and settled into life as a homemaker.
During her youth and young adult life she was an active vocalist called upon to sing solos for church, weddings and funerals. A life-long member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Rhuney was active in the church choir, taught a variety of children‚àö¬¢‚Äö?ᬮ‚Äö?묢s Sunday school classes, served on various committees, and was an active member of the Christian Women‚àö¬¢‚Äö?ᬮ‚Äö?묢s Fellowship. Like her mother before her, Rhuney was recognized as a skilled seamstress. Even in her later years she was frequently called upon to make alterations for family and friends.
In addition to her mother, father, and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Marvin Ray (Pat) Patterson, George Douglas Patterson, and her sister, Mazzie Patterson Rodden.
She is survived by her children, Susan Shewmaker and husband David of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; George T. Murphy, Sr. and wife Cecelia of Bethany; and Linda Pauls and husband Jim of Dallas, Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Carrie Shewmaker Selby (Michael), Kathy Shewmaker, Tom Murphy, Will Murphy, Abe Pauls, and David Pauls; one great-grandson, Ian Selby; a step-grandaughter, Sarah Shewmaker Cooper (Chris); and two step- great-grandchildren, Zachary and Linzie Cooper.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2013, at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the home.
The family wishes to express its thanks to Dr. Xaje Hasanaj and the nurses and staff of Morehead Memorial Hospital for the quality of care given. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the hospital.
Online condolences maybe offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Dear George and Family, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a special lady with a sweet spirit. I pray that the Lord will give you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. May He also bless and strengthen each of you in the days and weeks to come.
Larry Patterson
Susan, George, and Linda, I'm so sorry to hear of Rhuney's passing. She was a great lady and a wonderful mother. She's helped our family so many times in our lives and we will miss her. God bless each of you.
Todd Brame
Rhuney was a fine person and one of my favorite clients. She and my dad were in the same class in school and it was always a pleasure to talk with her about growing up and her life with Booker. She loved her children and was very proud of them. I will miss her.
Jim Pyron
Please accept our most sincere sympathy to the family & friends of Rhuney Murphy. She was a lovely Christian lady with a sweet, kind spirit; we were blessed to have known her and to have worshiped with her at First Christian Church for a number of years. Our prayers are with you at this sad time of loss.
Jo & Jim Fahlstedt
George and Family, My thoughts are with you and pray that your wonderful memories with comfort you in the days ahead. Harold Vaden
Harold Vaden
Linda & family, We are very sorry to hear of the of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you. GOD BLESS Tim & Judy Carter
Tim Carter
Susan, I'm so sorry to learn of your mother's passing and funeral. I'm sorry I missed you. Mrs. Murphy was speciaL to all of us on Oakwood and I have such fond memories growing up with you, George, and Linda. I hope she was not sick long. I was assuming she was still home almost until the passing. Know you are in our prayers. Suzanne
suzanne c barton
When my friend, Judy Richardson, and I retired, we began attending a Bible Study group at the Christian Church. This is where I met Rhuney and quickly learned what a precious woman of God she was. I enjoyed going out with her to deliver food for the Meals on Wheels organization. We had such a good time laughing and talking. Rhuney was loved by many. My prayers are with your family.
Margaret Ladd
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