Doris Murphy

Doris June (Deniker) Murphy passed away November 23, 2020 after a 25 month-long war with pancreatic cancer.  Born August 8, 1945 in Barton, she was the daughter of the late John Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Mowbray) Deniker.  She was preceded in death by sisters Shirley Jean Deniker and Ruth Mary (Deniker) Donald and by her brother Ellsworth Edward Deniker, mother and father-in-law William H. and Virginia A. Murphy, and brothers-in-law John Bland, Paul Doolan and Ray Wargo

She is survived by her husband of 55 years William H. Murphy Jr., son Wayne W. Murphy, daughter Debra Sue (Murphy) McKenzie, grandson David B. McKenzie Jr. (who was the light of her life), sister Juanita Grace (Deniker) Bland, brother and sister-in-law John and Shirley (Fint) Deniker, sisters-in-law Phyllis (Henry) Deniker, Margaret Ann (Murphy) Doolan and Carol (Murphy) Wargo and brother-in-law Carl Donald.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.   She was especially fond of two special young men who called her grandma, Bryan and Jeffrey McKenzie and enduring friends Dave and Kay Hobel. Doris is also survived by her godson Jerry D. Donald.

She was a 1966 graduate of Valley High School, Lonaconing.

Doris had a joie de vivre and a will-to-live that never faltered despite the challenges of battling cancer. She fought until the bitter end.

Doris was a kind and generous woman who was active in the community and with her extended family.  She was secretary/treasurer of the Barton United Methodist Church as well as chair of the SPRC committee.  She volunteered with the Barton Elementary PTA, Georges Creek Elementary School, Cub Scout Pack 26 and worked the concession stand at Barton Little League and J.C.P. soccer games. For many years she collected for the Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Association and the Cancer Society. She donated nearly 5 gallons of blood.  She helped to organize every one of her class reunions and served as treasurer of the Barton High School Alumni Association. If something needed to be done, Doris was there to help.

Doris worked for First United Bank at the Barton Branch and Eichhorn/McKenzie Funeral Home until she “retired” to become a caregiver to her three grandsons.

Due to the current health climate there will be no visitation.  Burial will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be directed to LaVale Lion’s Club, Attn: Convalescent Committee P.O. Box 3235 LaVale, MD  21504 or to the charity of your choice.