Anna J. Murphy, age 86 of Elwood, died Sunday, June 17, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her family following a brief illness. She was born September 15, 1925 in Elwood, the daughter of Lawrence James and Hazel Louise (Haney) Cain. She was a homemaker most of her life. She was a 1943 graduate of Elwood High School and married Merlin A. “Merle” Murphy on November 30, 1943. Anna was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood for over 30 years where she was a former Deacon and a member of Martha’s Circle. She was also a member of the Labotom Aeims Home Extension Club in Elwood. She enjoyed reading her bible, sewing, needlepoint, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was well known for making pies, especially black raspberry pies.

She is survived by 4 children, David (wife Joanne) Murphy of Summitville, Rebecca Murphy of Elwood, Janet (husband Rich) Brunnemer of Elwood, and Greg (wife Susan) Murphy of Elwood; 2 sisters, Mary Wright of Anderson, and Marjorie Evans of Lansing, MI; brother, Thomas (wife Jane) Cain of Sheridan; 15 grandchildren, Dwayne (wife Gina) Barber, Andrew (wife Samantha) Barber, Amanda (husband John) Barber-Akin, Megan (husband Bradley) Mitchell, Jamie (husband Greg) Scott, Ned Neubauer, Darrel Neubauer, Micah (wife Joy) Mitchell, Isaac (wife April) Mitchell, Heather (husband Dan) Coble, Jason (wife Jessica) Norris, Jeff (wife Daniella) Brunnemer, Sarah (husband Brian) Pearce, Michaela Murphy, and Brennan Murphy; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years who died September 16, 2009, Merlin A. “Merle” Murphy; and 2 sisters, Martha Ellis and Katherine French.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Friday, June 22, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with the Rev. Dr. Linda Philabaun of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the Murphy family may be made at: www.copherfeslermay.com. The family wishes to thank Community Hospital, Dr. Villareal, Dr. Vail, and the Alexandria Care Center for the care they provided for Anna. They would also like to especially thank Heather Coble and Jacob Harris for all the care and love they have shown during Anna’s illness.