Shirley Ann (Duke) Murphy

Shirley Ann (Duke) Murphy passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022, at Corry Manor.

Shirley was born on April 11, 1937, in Union City, PA to Fredrick and Dortha (Ramsey) Duke.

She attended Union City High School and after graduation began working at the Ben Franklin Store in Union City. She enjoyed her time there as a cashier and stock girl until her marriage to Clement (Joe) Murphy Jr. on March 30, 1968.  At that time, Shirley became a full-time mother to seven stepchildren that she raised and loved as her own and then the mother to two daughters of her own.

Shirley loved spending time with her family and talking on the phone with them, too. There was never a short visit or phone call. She always had “one more thing” to share. Shirley loved animals especially cats. She was an avid reader and couldn’t wait for the daily newspaper to be delivered. She enjoyed her weekly trips to Walmart and eating at Cracker Barrel. She enjoyed the simple things in life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Clement (Joe), her parents, Fredrick and Dortha, an infant sister, stepdaughters Theresa Murphy, Helen Ansart, and Shirley Fischer, four stepsons: Michael, James, Robert, and Donald Murphy.

She is survived by her siblings, Walter (Vera) Duke and Alma Wettekin, daughters, Susan (Greg) Phillips, and Judith (Sam) Bensink. She is additionally survived by her stepchildren: Patrick Murphy, Bonnie Nichols, Joanne Murphy, Dorthy Seib, Elizabeth Sweet, and all their children and grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces and nephews behind.  Shirley will be greatly missed by all her grandchildren, but especially Andrew (Caitlynn), Gregory (Brianne), and James Phillips, David and Kaylee Bensink and great- grandson, Oliver Phillips.

Her daughters wish to thank all the healthcare workers and caregivers that assisted Shirley throughout the last two years. Their kindness is greatly appreciated.

No funeral services will be held at this time. A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.