Tuesday, July 21st, 1925 - Wednesday, June 28th, 2023
A Memorial service for Dr. Beth Murphy will be held 10:00am, Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Enid with Rev. Devon Krause officiating. Burial will be in Page Cemetery, in Page Nebraska. Cremation arrangements and services are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
Dr. Beth Murphy was born July 21, 1925 in Page, Nebraska to J. Lowell and Bessie (Bryan) Murphy and passed away June 28, 2023 in Enid. She graduated from Page High School. Beth graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, Nebraska with a degree in Chemistry. After receiving her degree at Wesleyan Beth taught high school for two years in Wausa,NE. Many of her summers included teaching science camps in Colorado. She hiked and backpacked along with going snowcaving. She ran in many races until she became one of the oldest participants
She was seeking knowledge and this included travel, going on science trips to China and Europe. She travelled extensively with her sister Virginia on trips to Greece and Turkey, Russia, China, Scandinavia, The British Isles, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Her trip to Alaska included the North Pole. Colorado, Nebraska, Hawaii and Maryland were frequent destinations to see family and friends and she created extensive photo collections of her journeys.
Beth enjoyed music and had played the trumpet and drums during high school. She attended symphonies, choir, and organ concerts wherever she could and was a member of the Bell Choir for many years at the Enid United Methodist Church.
Animals were a constant in her life, including horses, dogs and many cats. Her fur friend Rory was her constant companion.
She obtained her Masters of Arts in Biology from Colorado University in 1953, and her Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Cell Physiology from the University of Illinois, Urbana. Beth moved to Enid in 1953 and worked as a Professor in the Sciences at Phillips University for 40 years. After her retirement, she continued teaching at the Lifelong Learning Center in Enid. Beth was a member of Enid United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her sister, Virginia Jensen of Severna Park, MD; nephews, Eric Jensen, of NC, Richard Jensen, of HI, Robert Jensen, of HI, David Sorensen, of Creighton, Nebraska; niece, Patricia Kennedy, of Page, Nebraska.
Beth is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Murphy; sister, Margaret (Murphy) Sorensen; and niece, Marian (Murphy) Beethe.
Memorials may be made to the Enid United Methodist Church, Enid SPCA, Enid Loaves and Fishes, Enid Salvation Army and CASA, with Ladusau-Evans serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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