Shirley Murphy passed away in Laramie, Wyoming, on Friday July 3rd at the age of 92.   She was born July 26, 1933, in Sardinia, New York, to Dudley Tharnish and Stella Arter Tharnish.  She joined siblings Ida Mae and Donald; Lois and Peg became members of the family after her father remarried.

            Shirley moved to Riverton, WY in the spring of1951 to be closer to her mother and soon met and fell in love with Ralph Parkin.  They were married July 28, 1951.  Ralph worked for Husky Oil Company, and the couple moved to Meeteetse and then to Cody, WY when Ralph was transferred.  They saved money and bought a small farm north of Cody, where they raised their three daughters and spent the rest of their married life.   They both enjoyed working on the farm, having animals and a garden, travelling, and spending time with their extended family.

            Shirley and Ralph divorced in 1992.  Shirley later married Rev. R.N. Buswell in Cody, and they had fun traveling, visiting family, and working on home projects.  He passed away in 2000.  Shirley married John Murphy, her former high school sweetheart, in 2002.  They also traveled and found hobbies they enjoyed together.  He passed away in 2018.

            Shirley was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Cody for many years.  She enjoyed church activities and was always helping with a dinner or event there.  She baked cakes for weddings and liked being around her church family.  She was also a member of the Cottonwood Homemakers Club.

            Shirley loved being around her family and having holiday dinners at the farm.  She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.           

            She spent time in her life cleaning homes, helping cater events, and working as a CNA at the Cody hospital.

            Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Donald and sisters Ida and Lois.  She is survived by sisters, Peg (Dennis) Tomski, North Port, FL and Maria (Travis) Gooden, Clermont, FL;  as well as three daughters:  Donna (Jim) Mecham, Laramie, WY; Sandra Pickard; Laramie, WY, and Janet (Leonard) Wempen; Riverton, WY.  She is also survived by grandchildren Robert (Krista) Michaud, Laramie, WY; Barry (Kerri) Michaud, Central, SC; David (Suweksha) Mecham, Murray, UT; Jennifer (Roman) Yourk, Billings, MT; Jerry (Luann) Cowles, Laramie, WY; Jessica (Mike) Ramirez, Cody, WY; Amanda (Mike) Adams, Rock Springs, WY; and Travis (Vanessa) Bourquin, Riverton, WY, as well as 20 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.  She will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, her kind, caring and giving nature, and her love of the outdoors. 

            The family is grateful for the care she received from Edgewood Spring Wind Assisted Living and memory care as well as Enhabit Home Health and Hospice and Hospice of Laramie at the end of her life.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, Hospice of Laramie, or a charity of choice in her name.

            Cremation has taken place, and inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Cody, WY at 11:00 a.m. on Monday July 27th.  A celebration of life will follow at Mentock Park.