Chella Jean Murphy
Born: October 15th, 1901
Died: September 28th, 2010
Obituary
Mrs. Chella Jean Williams Murphy, 108, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at Sunnybrook of Burlington. Born October 15, 1901, in Harris Township, Fulton County, Illinois, she was the daughter of Clyde Otis and Della Lois Louk Williams. She married Ray Murphy, who preceded her in death. She was the fourth of six children, and graduated from Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb. She was the oldest surviving graduate of Western, the college itself is only two years older than she. During World War II, she worked as a munitions inspector at Iowa Ordnance Plant. Her remaining career was a teacher, first in a two-room school house teaching grades one through fourth, and later teaching fourth grade until her retirement at age 70 at Grimes Elementary. Chella was a member of First Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed reading, playing cards, especially bridge, and collecting antiques. Survivors include her son, Charles "Chick" Murphy of Roswell, New Mexico; five grandsons, Charlie Murphy, Doyle George, Bobby George, Peter George, and Randy Pohren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Jean, three brothers and two sisters. The memorial service for Chella will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2nd, at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Deb Kinney will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the donor's choice.