|
Esther M. Murphy Burns, 86, Iowa City
Obituaries · May 21, 2015
Esther M. Murphy Burns, 86, of Iowa City passed away peacefully on May 15 , 2015, at Crestview Nursing and Rehab Center in West Branch.
Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, May 20, at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in West Branch with Father Greg Steckel officiating. Visitation was Tuesday at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City, where a rosary was said and a parish vigil was held. Visitation was Wednesday from before service time. Burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City and followed by a luncheon at St. Bernadette’s. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Crestview Nursing and Rehab Center or to Iowa City Hospice.
Esther Marie was born on Jan. 1, 1929, in Cedar County, Iowa, the daughter of Emery and Etta Coulter Hemingway. She graduated from Iowa City High School in 1947 and attended the University of Iowa. She married Robert Murphy on Sept. 5, 1949, in Iowa City. Robert died in 1984. Esther later married Merle Burns on Nov. 9, 1985, in Mission, Texas; he passed away in 1997. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Do-Si-Do Square Dance Club, and the North Scott Social Circle. She enjoyed traveling, square dancing, playing cards with family and friends, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, win or lose. Esther’s family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her life. She will be dearly missed.
Survivors include her children: Dennis Murphy (Gail), Mary Means (Scott), Donald Murphy (Kris), Ronald Murphy (Jenny), Terri Shay (Dan), Michael Murphy (Brenda) and Patti Seydel (Phil); step-children: Ronald Burns, Allan Burns and Darlene Pripilli (Richard); 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren (soon to be 23); numerous step-grandchildren: a sister, Glee Leet; and brothers Elmer Hemingway and Keith Hemingway.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Murphy, husband Merle Burns, step-daughter Marlys Nelson, and a longtime friend Johnnie Shaffer.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Crestview for the wonderful and compassionate care shown to Esther during her final months spent there.
Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
