Kathryn Pauline Murphy

Kathryn Pauline "Polly" Murphy Called home after 82 years, Polly Murphy of Schoolcraft, MI., formerly of Zanesville, OH died peacefully September 6, 2010, surrounded by her daughter and son-in law who had cared for her for several years. She was a caring and loving person, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, whose family extended beyond her own biological. Her passions were children, showing them love and affection, playing games with them, teaching them, encouraging them and protecting them. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking pies, watching and feeding birds, dancing, listening to music and eating ice cream. Her smile was electrifying, her spirit contagious and the twinkle in her blue eyes would bring a glow to any room with her love for life. Polly was born August 21, 1928, in Pennsville, OH, to the late Joseph W. and Mary E. Persinger McElfresh. She is a member of Finley United Methodist Church in Zanesville, OH, and attended Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, in Portage, MI since moving. She was a member of the American Legion Post #29, VFW George Selsam Post #1058 Ladies Auxiliary, and Fraternal Order of Eagles #302. She is survived by daughters, Debra (Doug) Murrey of Schoolcraft, MI. and Lana Murphy of Crooksville, OH; a son, Mark (Sherryl) Murphy of Zanesville, OH; seven grandchildren: Dr. Douglas Murrey Jr., Darren Murrey, Clint (Evelena) Sickel, Adam Sickel, Jessica (Brian) Hennessey, Megan Murphy and Pamela (Matt) Mounts; seven great-grandchildren: Joe & Jay Mounts, Koysta Sickel, Carter Hennessey, Hallie, Brianna and Haden Mortimer. Her adopted family: James, Bobbie, Zack, Erica, Cameron and Toni VanZile of Schoolcraft, MI; two sisters: Helen Rutter and Margaret J. Brooks, both of Zanesville, OH; three sister-in-laws, Martha McElfresh and Barbara McElfresh, both of Zanesville and Ann McElfresh of Columbus, OH.; many nieces, nephews and special friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert D. "Murph" Murphy; a son, Timothy A. "Spanky" Murphy; six brothers: Donald R. Baker, Pat, Harry, Clarence "Bill", George, and Nathan McElfresh; and two sisters: Lillian Ilene "Myrt" Teisinger and Abigail Louella Clifton. It was her wish to return home to Zanesville for interment next to her husband. Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either Covenant Senior Day Program, 7211 Oakland Drive, Portage MI. 49024 or Great Lakes Hospice, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI. 49202. Family and Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the funeral home with Rev. Charles Norris officiating. Burial will follow at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. To send a sympathy card or a note of condolence: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com