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Obituary

Bernadette “Bonnie” L. Murphy

November 3, 1942 - November 22, 2023

Bernadette “Bonnie” L. Murphy, 81, of Waverly, NE, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on November 22, 2023. She was born on November 3, 1942 in Spalding, NE, to Bernard and Anna (Pfiefer) Gilroy.

 

Bonnie spent her young life in Spalding and was the oldest of four children. Bonnie leaves her three brothers and their wives; Larry (Joy) Gilroy, Tim (Barb) Gilroy, and Jim (Christy) Gilroy.

After graduating from Spalding Academy, she studied computer programming and operating at Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN, where she graduated in 1961.

Bonnie married Richard J. Murphy in 1964 and moved to Lincoln, NE, the following year. She mirrored her mother’s family having a daughter and three sons. Bonnie is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Michele “Shelly” and Ken Richards; son and daughter-in-law, Mike (Kami) Murphy; and son Jerry Murphy (Jennifer Daly). Preceded in death by parents and her son Dennis Murphy.

Bonnie’s work career started as being full-time homemaker and mom to four very rambunctious children. She raised her children in Waverly, NE, and lived in the same house until her passing. Bonnie became the “neighborhood Mom” quickly with her chocolate chip cookies, Pepsi popsicles and unconditional love. She began her professional work at St. Elizabeth Hospital in 1975 where she worked for 35 years until her retirement from the Finance Department.

Her hobbies included gardening, baking, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who she adored; Kegan Murphy, Brody and Sophie Murphy, and Mickena Richards.

Thank you for Celebrating Bonnie’s Life and memories with us. The love and support we have received since Bonnie’s passing has meant the world to each of us!! We will thank God every day for blessing our lives with her beautiful, selfless, loving spirit!! She lit our way and always made our day!!! (This overuse of exclamation points is intentional and meant to honor Bonnie’s unique grammatical style!!!)

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Roper and Sons Funeral Home-Waverly Chapel, 10851 N. 148th St., Waverly, NE, followed by interment in the Rosehill Cemetery, Waverly. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home.

Rather than sending flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Make-A-Wish Nebraska, or the Waverly Community Foundation.

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Services

December9

Celebration of Life

CST

Roper & Sons Waverly Chapel

10851 N. 148th St.
Waverly, NE 68462

(402) 786-3800

Share a Memory or Condolence

December 20, 2023

I just found out about Bonnie’s passing. I’m so very sorry. I worked with Bonnie for 25 years at the hospital. She was a gem; always had a smile. She will be missed.

– Julie Young
December 9, 2023

We remember Bonnie from her years at St Elizabeth. Hard working faithful employee. The sweetest, kindest most gentle woman with an ever ready smile! May memories of your dear Mom comfort you at this sad time! Bob and Diane Lerch

– Diane Lerch
December 2, 2023

I was So Very Blessed to have had Bonnie in my life! She was one of the few people that were Truly Beautiful Inside and Out! Her passing is So Heartbreaking and Such a Great Loss to All who knew her! Bonnie became my 2nd Mom when her daughter Shelly and I became good friends as young teens and remained that way through all the years! We kept Bonnie on her toes in our younger days, as did all her children and their friends, but as challenging as we all were Bonnie always remained a constant! Loving, caring and nurturing! She had a way about her that was very comforting! Of course, she also had a look that meant you were in big trouble! She could be stern but never made you feel she was disappointed in you, even though there were plenty of times that she should have been! She never judged but instead was just there to Love You and help you get past it. She was always a face of reason, a safe, secure place where I always felt Welcome and Loved! My husband and children were also Welcomed in as Family! RIP Bonnie! We Will Love You and Miss You Forever! 🙏❤ Susan (Ringstad) & Rick Mangel

– Susan Mangel
November 30, 2023

To all of Bonnie’s kids- I am Carol Johnson Lanning, from up by Ericson (a long time ago!) We reconnected when we were both working in Grand Island- became roommates in an upstairs apt on 2nd St. Fast forward, we had lots of fun, I came back to Pine Bluffs, WY to marry my best friend Gene- your Mom was my maid of honor. I wish I had pictures- unfortunately we had a house fire in 1976 and lost lots of our irreplaceable possessions. The next year I was in her wedding! After that, as you all know, life happens, kiddos come along, etc. so we didn’t get together but talked via phone some. Planned to visit her when we were heading to my sisters, and then something happened that we didn’t get too. Was pleasantly surprised when she stopped by my workplace in Pine Bluffs long ago. We had a whirlwind visit, talking 100 mph! Bonnie was such a kind, thoughtful person. About her parents, brothers, your Dad, and then each of you kids. Such a proud Mom! I’m sorry for your loss, I know it’s hard to lose a parent- think of what she is doing now— I can remember that smile! Carol— Bonnie’s friend from the early 60’s!

– Carol Johnson Lanning

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