Hazel Murphy

Hazel Janet Murphy, 73, died Saturday, December 31, 2011, in Flagstaff, Ariz., due to an auto accident. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Bayfield, Colo., and Bishop Bruce Edmonds will be officiating. Burial will follow at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.

Mrs. Murphy was born August 5, 1938, in Old Bridge, N.J., the daughter of John and Minni Albecker. Mrs. Murphy grew up in Old Bridge and graduated from South River High School. She married James R. "Jim" Murphy while he was serving in the armed forces in South Carolina, on September 16, 1956. Together, they raised nine children. She and Jim moved to Bayfield in 1969 and built a home together in Bear Creek, near Bayfield.

Mrs. Murphy was an active member of the Bayfield Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She adored her grandchildren and children as well as her entire family, both natural and adopted. She enjoyed puzzles and crafts including crocheting.

Hazel will be remembered as a care giver to many and a perfect companion to her husband, Jim.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Murphy of Bayfield, her children, Debbie Brown of Ignacio, Colo., James Murphy, Jr., of Mesa, Ariz., Michael Murphy of Brick, N.J., Tim Murphy of Bayfield, Tom Murphy of Phoenix, Amy Ridgeway of Bayfield, Susan Snively of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Charles Kelley of San Diego, Calif.; siblings: Delores Beedle and John Albecker of Spotswood, N.J., and Kathy Due of Old Bridge, N.J.; 25 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Hazel is preceded in death by her parents and a son, Patrick Murphy.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Bayfield Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.