Mary Jane Murphy, age 77, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 in Springfield, Missouri after a long battle with cancer. Mary was born on June 15, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Lionel Rabe and LeVerne (Brown) Nordin.  She was united in marriage to Larry Murphy on October 10, 1978. Afterwards, they travelled the world, enjoying many new experiences together; living in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Indonesia. Following Larry’s retirement in Springfield, Missouri, Mary volunteered extensively in the community, especially at the Nature Center in Springfield. She was an accomplished ornithologist, with a passion for bird watching that began overseas. Mary was an active member of the Audubon Society and belonged to local organizations dedicated to preserving nature trails. Mary was artistic, with a keen eye for good design and was an expert home chef and cake designer. She was active in her local walking club and enjoyed the many, many friendships she’d collected both in her travels and living in Springfield. She was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Springfield, Missouri. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Douglas Murphy; and two sisters, Darleen Coffman and Sandy Troglin.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Murphy, of the home; daughter, Catherine Lutz (Craig); a granddaughter, Chelsea Aylesworth (Braden); a great-grandson, Cooper Aylesworth; a sister, Lanell McCain (husband Paul) of Springfield, Missouri; a brother, Lionel Rabe (wife Diane) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; three nieces, Michelle Monsees, Carrie Williamson, and Mary Lou Culberson; a nephew John Hogue; and other family members and friends.