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.
Dear Girls, your Mother was such a wonderful and respected person. She loved you, always welcomed everyone into her home and heart and helped so many people in her lifetime . She truly had the heart of a servant loving and caring for others with grace and with a smile. Love and joy in Jesus Marilyn Faber
Thanks to everyone for reaching out to our family with your condolences. We appreciate it very much. Mom was indeed a special person, and we will miss her very much.
My Dear Cousins… so sorry to hear this about Aunt Shirley she was such a sweet lady. Praying for you all!
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful neighbor to the folks. We all have great memories of our parents on Heart Mountain. Prayers to you all. 🙏
Donna, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed getting to know her in the Memory Care unit. She was always very happy, cheerful, and friendly to all! Lynn Erickson
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was so sweet...she always had a big smile on her face when I would say hi to her at Spring Wind.
Donna and Sandy, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I know what it’s like to lose your Mom even at our age we are now orphaned. This loss is like no other you will ever know. The world seems to stop. But, remember she is in your heart forever, you can talk to her there and listen, she will answer. Think of the great day she had and is still having reuniting with everyone who passed before her. Your Mom was an absolute sweetheart. Know that this is how all thought of her and you were lucky enough to be her kids. Love Jane
Sandra my prayers are with you and your family at this time of your loss. May you have peace. Take comfort that She will always be watching over you. May your mother rest in the arms of Jesus and fly high with the angels.
Donna, Sandra, Janet : I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. She was truly a great woman. May your fond memories of her bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. My prayers are with you. Love Sharry (Koontz) Downs
Donna, Sandy & Janet, So so very sorry for your loss!! Aunt Shirley was always so gentle and kind. I loved her constant smile. May she rest on peace. Love you!! Virginia Trotter
Janet, Sandy, and Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Shirley was my favorite! She had the best smile and kindness in her heart! She will be missed!! She will no longer suffer. May God bless her and all your families! Love, Carol Burns Richards.
Donna, Sandra and Janet I am very sorry for the loss of your sweet mother . She truly was a wonderful woman. May you find peace and comfort in your fond memories of her. My prayers are with all of you . Love, Sharry( Koontz )Downs
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Cindy (Burns) Keinert
Sad to hear the news of the passing of the mother of my friends Sandy and Donna. Deep condolences to the family.💐
Prayers for family and friends...she was a great Mom and that smile...
Donna - so sorry to hear about your mother. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.