Shirley Murphy

Hastings resident, Shirley Jean Murphy, 88, died Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at her home.

Rosary will be Thursday, February 12, 2015; 7:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 13, 2015; 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Houlihan officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Visitation will be Thursday, February 12, 2015; 9:00 A.M - 8:00 P.M, with the family present from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hastings Catholic Schools Scholarship.

Shirley was born May 20, 1926 to Irving & Ruth (Blanchard) Helander in Aberdeen, SD. She attended Villa Maria Academy in Frontenac, MN. She married James V. Murphy in 1944; he preceded her in death on April 24, 2011. During WWII USO, Shirley served food to the troops. She worked at AT&T, was a hat model, and worked as an insurance agent. She volunteered for the American Red Cross Blood Mobile for 20 years and at Crosier Monastery. Shirley was also the welcome wagon lady for Hastings in the 1960's. In 1971, Shirley and her husband purchased the Wagon Wheel Bar and changed the name to Murphy's Wagon Wheel. They brought the Irish to St. Patrick's Day with green beer and Irish stew in Hastings. In 2011, Shirley and James were featured as the family of the year honored by the Knights of Columbus. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, BPOE DOES for 50 years, St. Michael's Altar Society, and Catholic Daughters for 29 years. Shirley was proud of her cooking and canning. She won a purple ribbon at the county fair for her dill pickles. Shirley loved to play bridge, pitch, bingo, jigsaw puzzles, and crossword puzzles.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James V. Murphy; infant son, Thomas Edward Murphy; grandson, Logan Kelly; and sister, Kay Blodgett.

SURVIVORS:
Children & Spouses:
Michele & Nick Markos - Yankton, SD
James Patrick & Louwy Murphy - Madison, WI
Robert & Tamie Murphy - Hastings, NE
Siobhan & Kevin Ebers - Fairfield, CT

Grandchildren:
11

Great Grandchildren:
17

Great Great Grandchildren:
3