Beverly Jean Murphy

Beverly Jean Murphy—a devoted, compassionate and selfless mother, grandmother and teacher —passed away in February 2026, at the age of 89. She lived a life defined by love, service, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to family, friends, students, and community.

Bev was born in 1936 in Williston, North Dakota, to Clint and Mary Grantier. She was raised in the wide-open landscapes of Watford City and Williston, spending cherished childhood days getting into just enough mischief with her brothers and cousins at her grandparents’ ranch near Banks, North Dakota. Those early years on the prairie instilled in her a love of family, hard work, and togetherness that never left her.

As a teenager, Bev moved with her parents to Topeka, Kansas, where she later graduated from Washburn University’s Teacher College. The school’s motto, Non nobis solum—“Not for ourselves alone”—became a quiet guiding principle for her life. Teaching was not just a profession for Bev; it was her calling. She poured her heart into her students from the very beginning of her career in the Topeka school district.

At a Halloween party, she met the second great love of her life, Gene Murphy. (Her first love, she would always say, was teaching.) Bev and Gene were married at the Forbes Air Force Base Chapel in Kansas, beginning a remarkable 63-year marriage filled with adventure, devotion, and partnership.

As an Air Force family, Bev and Gene traveled widely. While very pregnant with their first son, Dan, Bev moved to Japan. She later taught school in the Philippines, embracing new cultures and experiences with characteristic grace and courage. After returning to the United States, they welcomed their second son, Bill, in Nebraska. The family’s journey also took them to Alaska—where Bev once again taught school—before eventually settling back in Nebraska.

For a season, Bev stepped away from the classroom to focus on raising Dan, Bill, and what often felt like a small army of neighborhood children and scouting friends. Her home was a gathering place—a hub of activity, laughter, and the best snacks in the neighborhood. Kids knew that at Mrs. Murphy’s house they would find warmth, welcome, and probably a gentle reminder or two about making good choices.

When her boys were older, Bev returned to her beloved profession at Parkview Heights in the Papillion-La Vista School District. She devoted herself to her students, teaching up through third grade—by design, as she would say with a smile, because she “didn’t want students who were taller than me!” Generation after generation of children benefited from her patience, encouragement, and belief in their potential. She didn’t simply teach reading and arithmetic; she taught kindness, responsibility, and confidence.

After retirement, Bev’s servant heart never slowed. She lovingly supported family and friends and especially treasured time with her nine grandchildren. She attended their activities, celebrated their milestones, and made each one feel uniquely seen and valued. She was always quick with a mystery novel in hand, ready to share a recommendation, and she delighted in family gatherings—particularly reunions back in North Dakota, where stories grew richer with each telling.

Bev had a way of offering guidance that her children remember well. “Remember, it’s not a lecture!” she would say. Of course, as Dan and Bill will tell you, it usually was—but it was always delivered with love, and they usually deserved it. Her words were rooted in care and a deep desire to see those around her live up to their best selves.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Mary Grantier; her brothers, Dan and Larry Grantier; and her sister-in-law, Marlene.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Gene Murphy; her sons, Dan (Stephanie) Murphy and Bill (Natalya) Murphy; her nine treasured grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives she touched.

Her family extends special thanks to the compassionate staff at Fountain View Senior Living and all those from TheKey Home Health and OnCare Hospice who cared for her in recent years with dignity and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bev’s honor may be made to Open Door Mission (https://www.opendoormission.org/donate/?campaign=22WBDSCH), reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fountain View Senior Living, 5710 S. 108th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, in the Social Hall. In true Bev fashion, she requested no black suits or dark clothes—please wear bright colors and come ready to celebrate a life beautifully lived.

Beverly Jean Murphy lived her life “not for ourselves alone.” She taught, she loved, she served, and she gave generously of her time and heart. Her legacy lives on in her family, her students, and all who were blessed to know her.