Helen Murphey, 97

Helen M. Murphey, 97, Red Oak, passed away on March 13, 2023, at Ankeny.
Helen Marie Murphey, the daughter of Harry and Ocie Drummond, was born on Aug. 29, 1925, at Jamesport, Mo. During her early years, Helen grew up on a farm west of Jamesport and later in Coffey, Mo. She graduated from Coffey High School in 1943 and shortly afterwards eloped and married Donald L. Murphey on June 8, 1943, in Gallatin, Mo.
Helen worked in various places while Don was in World War II service. They moved to Red Oak when the Union Carbide plant opened, and she worked there for a brief time. Helen was then employed by Hunt’s Super Valu and retired after 31 years. It was here that she got to know so many of her good friends.
Over the years, Helen was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Sarah Circle. She was active in the Red Oak Bowling League by holding several offices and honored to be inducted into the Bowling League Hall of Fame in 1985. Helen and Don loved to golf. They played couples golf every Friday night at the Red Oak Country Club and traveled to different tournaments. The grandkids loved the golf cart, which they got frequent rides in. Helen served on the Women’s Board at the Red Oak Country Club for three years. She was a special lady who always had a smile on her face and shared her love with her family and close friends every day. After Helen moved to Ankeny, she missed her friends and their adventures very much. If you can remember something Helen did that made you feel good, then she would say she lived a good life.
Preceding Helen in death were her parents; husband, Donald, on Jan. 31, 2004; six brothers; and grandchild, Corina Murphey.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Donna and Herk Key of Ankeny; and her son, Rick and Angie Murphey of Murphy, Texas. There are four grandchildren, Andrea Dingerson of Frisco, Colo.; Colin Burds of Ankeny; Ryan Murphey of Austin, Texas; and Derek Murphey of Dallas, Texas. Helen has five great-grandchildren, Annika, Maya, Calleigh and Nicholas Burds; and Fiona and Theo Dingerson. Also, a wonderful prior daughter-in-law, Caryl Murphey of Frisco, Colo.; other relatives and many friends.
May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak. Inurnment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at sldfuneralhome.com.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Helen’s arrangements and serving her family.