Katherin M. Murphy
November 25, 1918 ~ January 7, 2020
Katherin M. Murphy, 101, passed away January 7, 2020. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Friday, January 17, 2020, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. There will be a private graveside service at White Chapel Cemetery. Born in Carona, Kansas on November 25, 1918 to Ralph and Alta Brown. After graduating from Mineral High School, she moved to Wichita in 1936. When she was growing up, Katherin loved fishing with her “Daddy” and it was her favorite thing to do throughout her life. She was the registrar for the Wichita Area Vocational Technical School when it opened behind East High in 1968. She retired in 1986. Katherin was a life member of Rose Douglas Chapter of Eastern Star 475. She became an avid Shockers Basketball fan and was honored, much to her delight, at a game on her 100th birthday. Survived by daughters, LaVonna Murphy Friend of Pleasanton, CA and Annita Sue Murphy of No. Richland Hills, TX; grandchildren, Shelley Morgan (John) Henyan of Nor. Richland Hills, TX and John Kenneth (Emily) Friend of Alamo, CA; three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with Hillside Christian Church, 8330 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67206.
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We love you Grandma ❤️
So sorry for your loss. I knew her from WAVTS. She was a fine woman, and I know she will be deeply missed. Praying peace and comfort for her family during this difficult time.
Lavonna , and Sue, We are so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing away. we remember so well how happy she was when we would come back to Wichita on a vacation. We all had such a great time together I know she was so proud of her daughters and her grandchildren. Lance and Velda Brown
You will live in our hearts forever Grandma and always be our guiding light. Love you always…
Thinking of you and sending prayers LaVonna. May you be comforted by your many, many fond memories. Susan Pool
We are praying for my cousins and their families at the loss of my Aunt Katherine. I have such fond memories of her. She was my favorite aunt. Some of my favorite memories of her were coming to the lake at my Mom and Dad’s cabin and with my Grandpa fishing at the quarries. Seems like we caught fish every time we went out. Aunt Katherine and I went to Sheperd’s Western Store a few years back where I bought some Cowboy Boots. We had such a good time! We were remembering the days when I was a teenager riding and training horses at my cousin Sue’s. The day Elvis passed away I drove to the lake after work and when I got there my Mom, Aunt Katherine, and La Vonna were all crying that he had died. Another very fond memory was when Aunt Katherine came to Alabama to visit us. We took her all over the Gulf Coast area to see the sights. One night while she was here she was going to call La Vonna and somehow called somebody in Asia! We all freaked out and then started laughing because it was so hilarious! My Uncle Ralph brought her over to see my Mom and Dad in the Nursing home a couple of times. That made my Mom and Dad’s day and always meant a lot to me that she came to visit. She was a very kind, wonderful, person and we will miss her.
I met Kathy in 1963 when we both worked at East High School. I was only 20 years old and she was my mentor. We have been dear friends for 57 years. Kathy was a lovely lady and liked by all who knew her. I was blessed to call her friend.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Murphy. May God embrace your family with Peace and Comfort. Sincere Condolences, Wichita Association of Retired School Personnel
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.