Ruth Murphy

RUTH HELEN MURPHY 1918 - 2013 Ruth Helen Murphy was a wonderful wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ruth was born in Oakland CA, September 29, 1918, the daughter of John and Ethel Reynolds. She had two brothers, Glen, who passed away at an early age, and Leonard W. Reynolds of Yuba City. As a child, she attended Oakland schools and enjoyed softball and skating. Her family moved to Chico in 1930 and purchased a small almond orchard on Oak Way. In 1935, she played softball in the first organized women's team with The Diamond Match Company, where she worked as an Order Clerk as the first book matches were being produced in Chico. She met and married Raymond H. Murphy in 1938. In 1935, she joined the First Baptist Church on Salem Street, where she was asked to sing in the choir. There she served and enjoyed many friendships for many years. She was the first Chairwoman of the Women's Missionary Society and formed the Junior Women's Circle. She worked for Longfellow Lumber Company as the Office Manager until retirement and then volunteered at local public libraries. She was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed the arts and music. She was active in her political affiliation and remained involved well into her later life. Ruth enjoyed playing Bridge and enjoyed many years with friends in her organized Bridge Club in Chico. She is survived by her son and daughter, Tim Murphy (Nancy) of Salinas, and Ann Wilcox of Chico; her grandson and granddaughter, Micah Murphy (Cristal) of Salinas and Mackenzie Murphy (Danny Pedroza) of New York City; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Nicholas Murphy and Madeline Skye Murphy of Salinas; her sister-in-law, Annette Reynolds of Yuba City; nieces, Lynette Finnell (Danny) of Yuba City and Pamela Hughes (John) of Livermore. She was loved by her grand-nephews and nieces, Tanner Hughes, Kellie Hughes of Livermore, Jordan Western of Chico, and Trenton Western of Connecticut. She will be missed, but never forgotten as she thought of everyone before herself. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Glen Oaks Cemetery in Chico.