Laura E. Murphy

Laura E. Murphy, 98, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, May 12, 2011 in Union Hospital at Dover following a brief period of declining health.A daughter of the late Frederick and Emma (Stucky) Humerickhouse, Laura was born April 8, 1913 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.On June 4, 1938, Laura married Willard R. Murphy and together they raised two sons, Larry and Donald. The couple would have shared 47 years of marriage a day after Willard’s passing on June 3, 1985.Laura was a lifelong member of Jerusalem Church and served as the church organist for over 35 years. She also taught Bible study and was a member of the Rebekah Circle.She had many artistic skills which were mostly self taught. She especially enjoyed painting, pottery, quilting and music. Laura was an accomplished musician playing the piano and banjo in addition to the organ. She also taught many people how to play the piano and organ over the years. She composed much of her own music which consisted of many religious pieces. Laura even created her own greeting cards which were cherished by those who received them. When not being an artist, Laura could be found keeping physically fit and tending to her garden.Surviving are her sons, Larry (Susan) Murphy of Dover and Donald (Eileen) Murphy of New Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Dawna Murphy of Auburn, Massachusetts, Brian (Shelley) Murphy of Pataskala, Ohio, Mark (Julie) Murphy of Dover and Gregory (friend, Janette Clear) Murphy of New Philadelphia; four great grandchildren, Patrick Murphy of Pataskala, Haley and Colton Murphy of Dover and Logan Murphy of New Philadelphia; a brother, Elmer Humerickhouse of Dalton, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews.Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Myrtle Ludy and Goldie Humerickhouse and two brothers, Willis and Oliver Humerickhouse.The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Laura’s life will be on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Frank Sapp Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Jerusalem Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.Contributions may be made in Laura’s memory to Jerusalem Church, 1417 Stone Creek Road SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.