Ruth Alma McAfee Murphy

Ruth McAfee Murphy passed to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 21, 2016 with her daughter and son-in-law beside her. Services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Whitehouse with Rev. Ray Davis officiating. Burial will be in Pinecrest Cemetery in Troup under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Ruth was under the care of The Hospice of East Texas after fighting a valiant battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She was born on May 18th to Elmer Lee and Venetta Trent McAfee in Wichita, Kansas. Ruth was working at Bell Telephone in Tyler when she met James Murphy. She married James Phillip Murphy on June 18, 1949 in Talco at the first Baptist Church with Rev. Wells officiating. Her career included working at the First State Bank of Van, Sharpstown Bank and Global Marine in Houston, but her most important job was raising her daughter, Jan, whom she loved very much. Ruth loved animals, especially cats. She donated to Tiger Creek, The SPCA, the Humane Society and many various Veteran’s organizations. She loved listening to classical music. Ruth was a member of Eastern Star in Van when they lived there. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Whitehouse and the Open Door Sunday School Class. Ruth loved to travel, taking cruises and camping with James in the Motorhome to see the beautiful country that God created. She enjoyed traveling with the ForeRunners at First Baptist Church in Whitehouse and took many trips with them before her illness. Ruth loved life and was a very regal lady. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, James P. Murphy and brothers, Alvin Lee McAfee, Marion Darling (MD) McAfee, and Norman Hays McAfee. She is survived by her daughter, Janet L. Powell and husband, Patrick W. of Whitehouse; grandson, Stephen P. Powell and wife JoEllen E. Eggert; great-granddaughters, Lorelei D. Powell and Adelaide (Heidi) E. Powell of Cedar Park; great-grandson, Ryan J. Powell of Sour Lake; granddaughter, Michelle L. Powell of Houston and several nieces and nephews. The family appreciates the care given by all the staff at The Hospice of East Texas, especially her loving aide, LaQuita “Duck” Hampton, who made her laugh and enjoy her last days on this earth. Thanks to all for their prayers and visits and support of the family during this journey; Paul and Joy King, who were her “adopted” kids and neighbors; Susan Bundy, who made her look beautiful every week; Edith Brewer, her Sunday School teacher who checked on her every day; and many others (you know who you are) who meant so much to her. She will be missed. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. Memorials can be made to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701 or to the ForeRunners Trip Ministry at First Baptist Church, 801 E. Main St., Whitehouse, TX 75791.