Obituary: Diana G. Murphey

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Diana Gail Murphey

Diana Gail Murphey, age 77, of Naperville, IL, and formerly of Greensboro, NC and Elkhart, IN, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Edward Hospital, Naperville.

Born March 10, 1946, in Elkhart, IN, she was the daughter of Joseph G. and Marilyn (Gerking) Hayes, and was a graduate of Elkhart Central High School.

Her parents preceded her in death. She was married to William “Bill” Murphey, and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing on August 26, 2021.

Diana was blessed with the gift of giving. She was always lending a helping hand to those who needed it, and her generosity was appreciated by many. She was always able to make special, lasting connections to the people around her, everywhere she went in her life. She loved being outdoors, especially in her garden and near wildlife. Diana really enjoyed being creative by painting and making jewelry. She had an amazing talent for cooking and baking. It brought her great joy to cook special meals for family and friends. More than anything, she cherished every moment she could with her son, Brian. She was a constant presence, uplifting supporter, and unwavering positive guide to him, throughout his life. Diana reminisced fondly of teaching her son to fish, coaching his soccer team, and attending many tennis tournaments. She even began a love of hockey as she watched him learn to play in college. She could not miss a Carolina Hurricane’s game. She was also an extended mother figure to many of Brian’s friends. She was a doting grandmother and loved that both of her grandchildren had red hair, like her father. Diana took great pleasure in baking Christmas cookies, playing checkers, and card games with her grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren with all her heart. Diana had several long-standing health issues that she fought with as much strength and determination as she possibly could. She eventually decided to allow God to take away her struggles and let her eternal light shine with Him, in Heaven. She will be remembered as a wonderful and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Surviving are her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Elaine (Kidonakis) Murphey; her adoring grandchildren, Anna and Andrew Murphey; loving sister, Rebecca (the late Terry) Young; nieces, Jennifer (Jeremy) Breden and Whitney Young; and great-niece, Zoey Breden.

Visitation for Diana will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 10:00 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 12:00 Noon, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Morris, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) would be appreciated.

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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