Willa Dene Murphy

Willadene (Jarratt) Murphy born July 2, 1935 died on May 3, 2024 at the age of 88 years old surrounded by her 4 daughters and family. Dene, as she was fondly called was an excellent homemaker and social, loving mother and friend. Her greatest accomplishment she always said was her four daughters and loved them dearly. Her vibrant, open and friendly personality regularly drew friends which many she kept through her life.

Dene was actively engaged throughout her life. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1953 and retired from Delco Electronics after 32.8 years of service. She was always involved in something worthwhile. She was a Christian and served a short humanitarian mission to Africa through Bon Air Church of the Nazarene where she was a member. She was an avid gardener, traveler, seamstress and artist. She volunteered at Art Works where she sold her photography and paintings. She visited Italy, Paris, Petra, Israel, Turkey, Mozambique, Switzerland, Australia, Alaska, Greece, Hawaii and other locations. She received awards for her photography and had been a member of the Corvette club in Kokomo.

Dene is survived by her four daughters, Cindy Roswog (John), Terri Barker (Donnie), Melody Pfeifer (Don) and Amber Boring (Jeff). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew Roswog, Holly Miller, Nathan Barker, Derek Barker, Craig Barker, Lexie Daily, Cristy Hawkley, Donnie Pfeifer, Barry Donnelly, Brenna Ford, Gabriel Donnelly and their respective spouses. She is additionally survived by her 24 great grandchildren.

Dene was preceded in death by her parents George and Grace Jarratt, siblings Phyllis Baker, Pete Jarratt and infant brother George Jarratt.

Her Viewing will be on Thursday, May 9th from 4:00-7:00pm and funeral on May 10th at 2:00pm with viewing one hour prior to the service at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana. All friends and family are welcome. If preferred in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to charities near to her heart, Wounded Warrior Project or Cats Haven 2603 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis 46205 where one of her elderly cats is currently being cared for. www.sunsetmemorygarden.com