In Memory Of
Margaret Spencer Murphy
1936
2014
Margaret Spencer Murphy
March 5, 1936 — September 11, 2014
Margaret Spencer Murphy
I am sending an Angel before you to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. - Exodus 23:20
Indeed, on the 11th September 2014, 3:58am Margaret went to Heaven.
She was born 05 March 1936 in Deer Creek, Oklahoma.
Those fortunate to have known her and been blessed by her presence on earth are grieving her absence in the physical life, however, reassured she is delighting in her spiritual transformation.
She was curious about Heaven and excited to get there to experience all its wonders.
She will be remembered for her ready smile - generosity, and kindness. She always lent a sympathetic ear and encouraging words, finding positive in all.
Her greatest joy was pride in her family, specifically wanting her "legacy" to be her children; son, Mitchell Galen Murphy, daughter in law, Susan (although divorced, Margaret always considered Susie her daughter in law), Namesake granddaughter, Molly Margaret, son, Michael Alan Murphy, daughter in law, Patty
granddaughter, Rachel Nicole, grandson ( namesake as well), Levi Spencer and daughter, Marta Lynn Murphy all of Topeka, Kansas.
She was married to Galen Alfred Murphy, 23rd December 1956, in Emporia Kansas. He passed 03 June 1970, they were divorced. Mother, Elizabeth Ada Winchell Swinney (deceased when Margaret was age 12), father, Leroy Howard Spencer (deceased 1967), sister, Auverne Davis, Edmond OK, sister, Doris Pinegar, McAlester OK (deceased 2006) and sister, Iomgene ("Jean") James, Topeka KS (deceased 2009)
Margaret was the youngest and affectionately known/called "BabyHon".
They referred to themselves and people called them "The 4 girls".
Funny story she liked sharing is that her legal name was "John Howard Spencer", until about age 7. Her Mom was never supposed to have any children due to health issues - her Dad was an only boy and faced ending his family lineage. When Margaret was born on the farm the Doctor chuckled at her Dad getting another girl and asked what her Dad was naming her. Leroy responded "John Howard damnit". Well apparently the Doctor wrote this on the Birth Certificate and evidentially when the document got to the Vital Statistics Bureau they thought the baby sex was marked wrong and changed it to a "male". When her Mother summoned for the document for her to enter school they were advised no Margaret or a girl, rather a boy named John Howard Spencer. It was only with a printed, published genealogy book showing the 4th daughter that she as allowed to enter school. Eventually the records got corrected.
She grew up in Blackwell, Oklahoma and graduated from Blackwell High School 1954. She then went to College of Emporia, Emporia KS., where she studied Music and English.
It was then that she caught the wanderlust bug at 18 years of age and went to Cuba, which was the start of her worldly travels.
While in Emporia this is also when she met and married Galen (Presbyterian Church).
She went on to travel to 5 continents, and 48 States with her last trip to Chicago just some 6 weeks prior to her going to Heaven (with Daughter Marta and Grand daughter Molly).
Margaret became an "Army wife" and the roots of her developing attention and action toward various "causes" began. She used to say, "stand for something or you will fall for anything".
Its no coincidence she went to Heaven on Patriot's day as she whole heartedly supported her country. She was committed to Republican politics and never shied away from a debate, political or otherwise.
She often had an unfair advantage in that she was an accomplished "word smith". Margaret enjoyed a mental challenge, be it puzzles, brain teasers, tongue twisters and especially poetry.
Her love of words and language was life long. She loved to read and had an extensive book collection. She always delighted in hearing or telling a good joke even if irreverent.
Margaret was an accomplished pianist and also wrote some of her own music. She continued to write poetry throughout her life and wanted this to be a "legacy" as well.
As she raised her family she also studied at Kansas State University, Manhattan Kansas, then later Washburn University, Topeka Kansas, where she went on to earn other degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice (1980 with Honors).
Her career interests were varied and she spent time working in Community Corrections (half-way houses, started support groups, and supervised practicum students, etc.).
She also owned and operated a Ceramic Shop (wholesale and retail).
She later began her Government service career at Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center, Topeka KS, where she worked from 1982 until her retirement at age 74 (2010), the last many years in Health Information Management.
In March 2014 she learned of a life ending illness which she faced courageously with strength and grace - accepting what she had been dealt.
You see, Margaret went through life happily, - NO MATTER WHAT.
Her kindness and generosity continued in that she was accepted as a donor to the Kansas Eye Bank after death (her wish).
She ALWAYS was willing to give whatever, even if that meant hardship for her.
In many ways Margaret was quite traditional yet in other ways very non traditional - somewhat a subtle trailblazer, ahead of her time kind of woman.
Such as in her choice of vehicles over the years, whereas she often had something unique - unusual and suiting her personality perfectly. The last two being "MINI's" which she was thrilled about, and that regularly brought out conversation.
Her specialized tag was very fitting with its "play on words", (MINIGMA).
Margaret knew no strangers regardless. She found some way to connect with all "humans" and people gravitated back.
She shunned identifiers that caused division, for decades adamantly marking herself from the "human race".
You will not find a more authentic person. Her work ethic unparalleled. She genuinely cared about others and wanted only the best for them - never, ever having a jealous thought or placing conditions on her love and kindness.
With her children she shared special interests, Mitchell - reading/books, movies, meals out and their spelling prowess. Michael - money/finance strategies and business ventures, fishing and family talk. Marta - their shared love of traveling the world together, cooking/food interests and the home life they shared for many decades being each others support.
Her friend circle was diverse (as she liked it), and her extended family remained highly valued throughout life.
Some of her most favorite, cherished things in life were - beautiful sunsets (note she was not a "morning person"), specifically those in Kansas and Oklahoma where "one can see for miles" - sharing a meal with family/friends - a good belly laugh - seeing others succeed - her Christian faith in God, the Bible and belief in the Life thereafter in Heaven.
3 words to sum up Margaret: Patient, Kind, Generous.
As Margaret believed...
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". Dr. Seuss
(and did she ever have a gorgeous smile!)
In lieu of expressions of sympathy with food - flowers and the like, please honor her life with your memorial donations to either, Wanamaker Woods Church Outreach Minsitry, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka KS 66614 or Mayo Clinic cancer research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester MN 55905.
I am sending an Angel before you to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. - Exodus 23:20
Indeed, on the 11th September 2014, 3:58am Margaret went to Heaven.
She was born 05 March 1936 in Deer Creek, Oklahoma.
Those fortunate to have known her and been blessed by her presence on earth are grieving her absence in the physical life, however, reassured she is delighting in her spiritual transformation.
She was curious about Heaven and excited to get there to experience all its wonders.
She will be remembered for her ready smile - generosity, and kindness. She always lent a sympathetic ear and encouraging words, finding positive in all.
Her greatest joy was pride in her family, specifically wanting her "legacy" to be her children; son, Mitchell Galen Murphy, daughter in law, Susan (although divorced, Margaret always considered Susie her daughter in law), Namesake granddaughter, Molly Margaret, son, Michael Alan Murphy, daughter in law, Patty
granddaughter, Rachel Nicole, grandson ( namesake as well), Levi Spencer and daughter, Marta Lynn Murphy all of Topeka, Kansas.
She was married to Galen Alfred Murphy, 23rd December 1956, in Emporia Kansas. He passed 03 June 1970, they were divorced. Mother, Elizabeth Ada Winchell Swinney (deceased when Margaret was age 12), father, Leroy Howard Spencer (deceased 1967), sister, Auverne Davis, Edmond OK, sister, Doris Pinegar, McAlester OK (deceased 2006) and sister, Iomgene ("Jean") James, Topeka KS (deceased 2009)
Margaret was the youngest and affectionately known/called "BabyHon".
They referred to themselves and people called them "The 4 girls".
Funny story she liked sharing is that her legal name was "John Howard Spencer", until about age 7. Her Mom was never supposed to have any children due to health issues - her Dad was an only boy and faced ending his family lineage. When Margaret was born on the farm the Doctor chuckled at her Dad getting another girl and asked what her Dad was naming her. Leroy responded "John Howard damnit". Well apparently the Doctor wrote this on the Birth Certificate and evidentially when the document got to the Vital Statistics Bureau they thought the baby sex was marked wrong and changed it to a "male". When her Mother summoned for the document for her to enter school they were advised no Margaret or a girl, rather a boy named John Howard Spencer. It was only with a printed, published genealogy book showing the 4th daughter that she as allowed to enter school. Eventually the records got corrected.
She grew up in Blackwell, Oklahoma and graduated from Blackwell High School 1954. She then went to College of Emporia, Emporia KS., where she studied Music and English.
It was then that she caught the wanderlust bug at 18 years of age and went to Cuba, which was the start of her worldly travels.
While in Emporia this is also when she met and married Galen (Presbyterian Church).
She went on to travel to 5 continents, and 48 States with her last trip to Chicago just some 6 weeks prior to her going to Heaven (with Daughter Marta and Grand daughter Molly).
Margaret became an "Army wife" and the roots of her developing attention and action toward various "causes" began. She used to say, "stand for something or you will fall for anything".
Its no coincidence she went to Heaven on Patriot's day as she whole heartedly supported her country. She was committed to Republican politics and never shied away from a debate, political or otherwise.
She often had an unfair advantage in that she was an accomplished "word smith". Margaret enjoyed a mental challenge, be it puzzles, brain teasers, tongue twisters and especially poetry.
Her love of words and language was life long. She loved to read and had an extensive book collection. She always delighted in hearing or telling a good joke even if irreverent.
Margaret was an accomplished pianist and also wrote some of her own music. She continued to write poetry throughout her life and wanted this to be a "legacy" as well.
As she raised her family she also studied at Kansas State University, Manhattan Kansas, then later Washburn University, Topeka Kansas, where she went on to earn other degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice (1980 with Honors).
Her career interests were varied and she spent time working in Community Corrections (half-way houses, started support groups, and supervised practicum students, etc.).
She also owned and operated a Ceramic Shop (wholesale and retail).
She later began her Government service career at Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center, Topeka KS, where she worked from 1982 until her retirement at age 74 (2010), the last many years in Health Information Management.
In March 2014 she learned of a life ending illness which she faced courageously with strength and grace - accepting what she had been dealt.
You see, Margaret went through life happily, - NO MATTER WHAT.
Her kindness and generosity continued in that she was accepted as a donor to the Kansas Eye Bank after death (her wish).
She ALWAYS was willing to give whatever, even if that meant hardship for her.
In many ways Margaret was quite traditional yet in other ways very non traditional - somewhat a subtle trailblazer, ahead of her time kind of woman.
Such as in her choice of vehicles over the years, whereas she often had something unique - unusual and suiting her personality perfectly. The last two being "MINI's" which she was thrilled about, and that regularly brought out conversation.
Her specialized tag was very fitting with its "play on words", (MINIGMA).
Margaret knew no strangers regardless. She found some way to connect with all "humans" and people gravitated back.
She shunned identifiers that caused division, for decades adamantly marking herself from the "human race".
You will not find a more authentic person. Her work ethic unparalleled. She genuinely cared about others and wanted only the best for them - never, ever having a jealous thought or placing conditions on her love and kindness.
With her children she shared special interests, Mitchell - reading/books, movies, meals out and their spelling prowess. Michael - money/finance strategies and business ventures, fishing and family talk. Marta - their shared love of traveling the world together, cooking/food interests and the home life they shared for many decades being each others support.
Her friend circle was diverse (as she liked it), and her extended family remained highly valued throughout life.
Some of her most favorite, cherished things in life were - beautiful sunsets (note she was not a "morning person"), specifically those in Kansas and Oklahoma where "one can see for miles" - sharing a meal with family/friends - a good belly laugh - seeing others succeed - her Christian faith in God, the Bible and belief in the Life thereafter in Heaven.
3 words to sum up Margaret: Patient, Kind, Generous.
As Margaret believed...
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". Dr. Seuss
(and did she ever have a gorgeous smile!)
In lieu of expressions of sympathy with food - flowers and the like, please honor her life with your memorial donations to either, Wanamaker Woods Church Outreach Minsitry, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka KS 66614 or Mayo Clinic cancer research, 200 First Street SW, Rochester MN 55905.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Margaret Spencer Murphy, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors