Betty Jean Murphy, age 82, of 8643 Co. 513 T Road, Rapid River and former Gladstone resident, died peacefully Saturday July 16, 2005, at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba after spending a wonderful day with her entire family. 

Betty was born December 16, 1922, at her family home in Clare, MI, the daughter of Roy and Maude (Hartman) Gordon.  Betty was raised in Clare and attended the Clare schools.  On March 6, 1943, Betty married James Murphy in Clare, MI and together the couple relocated to the Gladstone area following the purchase of Murph’s Bar in 1969.  Her husband James preceded her in death on March 10, 1976.  Betty served on the board for the Gladstone Credit Union for many years, she owned and operated Murph’s Bar for 15 years and she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. 

Survivors include:
         
2 Sons:  Raymond (Leona) Murphy of Clare, MI; James (Cathy) Murphy of Shepherd, MI
         
4 Daughters:  Mary Lou (Ron) Hanson of Villa Hills, KY; Fran (Gary) Headington of Rapid River, MI; Peggy (Dan) Gobert of Rapid River, MI; Pat (Bruce) Hardwick of Rapid River, MI

1 Sister in law:  Ruth Gordon of Coleman, MI

Also surviving are 25 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Roy and Maude, and her husband, James, Betty was preceded in death by: 1 Infant son:  Herbert Murphy; 4 Brothers; 6 Sisters; 1 Niece:  Jerilyn

Memorial services for Betty will be held locally at the convenience of the Murphy family.  A memorial service to celebrate the lives of Betty Murphy and her sister Thelma Gordon, who passed away in February, will be held July 31, 2005 at the Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare, MI, at 12:00 p.m.  Committal for Betty Murphy will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Murphy family with arrangements.