Mary Francis Murphy

Mary Reed-Murphy was born on Friday, October 11, 1918, in Chanute, Kansas. She was the daughter of John Edward and Margaret (Coulson) Lassman. Mary lived in Eureka, Kansas from 1942 until 1961; Augusta, Kansas, 1961 until 1967; Wichita, Kansas, 1967 until 1973; Monte Vista, Colorado , 1973 until 1992; Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1992 until 1994, and Rocky Ford, Colorado, from 1994 until moving to Ottawa, Kansas in 2005, where she made her home until her death on Saturday, August 4, 2007, at the age of eighty-eight years. Mary graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1937 and attended Iola Junior College. She was a teacher in Girard, Humboldt, and Augusta, all in Kansas. She was also a social worker with the Red Cross in Eureka and Wichita and a psychiatrist's office, retiring in 1973. Mary was a member of the Monte Vista, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, and named Woman of the Year in 1984. She was also active with the Red Cross for many years and in P.E.O., where she helped form two chapters in Monte Vista, Colorado. Mary was an outgoing lady who loved spending time with her family and many friends. She enjoyed her community involvement and was greatly appreciated for all her volunteer work. In her leisure time, she enjoyed riding motorcycles. On June 22, 1941, Mary was united in marriage with J. W. Reed in Humboldt, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 14, 1967. On March 17, 1973, Mary was united in marriage with R. P. Murphy in Wichita, Kansas. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2005. She is also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, David Reed, Mark Reed; sister, Virginia McHarry; and brother, Hal Lassman. Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) and Chuck Kreiser of Melvern, Kansas; son, John Reed of Colorado; stepson, Steve Murphy of Richmond, California; stepdaughter, Carol Richardson of Jackson, Wyoming; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Shirley Lassman of Albuquerque, New Mexico; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews. SERVICES: Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2007, at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas. The casket will remain closed. CEMETERY: Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to the Williamsburg Library or Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.