Mariann Murphy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mariann Murphy, also known by her maiden name Mariann Moore and her former married name Mariann Handy. Mariann took her final breath on earth and awoke in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 10, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born on August 18, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Wilma and Harry Moore.

At a young age, Mariann moved with her family to Southern California, where she was raised and later graduated from Manuel Dominguez High School in Compton, California. As a teenager, she became an accomplished water skier, spending countless hours practicing on the Colorado River.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Mariann met Byron Handy while accompanying her father to a construction site, where Byron was working alongside his own father. Mariann and Byron married in 1964 and welcomed two sons, Byron and Robert.

As a young family, they moved to more than a dozen cities across the country following construction work before settling in Phoenix, Arizona, when their eldest son began kindergarten. Phoenix became the place where they put down roots and raised their family. They enjoyed waterskiing, boating at Lake Powell, and snowmobiling in the mountains around Pinetop.

After the boys graduated from high school, Mariann was single and joined a church where she rededicated herself to her faith in Jesus Christ. It was at church that she met Tom Murphy. Tom and Mariann married in 1994. They shared a life of faith and enjoyed studying the bible together for more than 30 years. Mariann greatly enjoyed hosting large family gatherings, especially at Christmas and Thanksgiving, and she took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mariann lived a life full of love, energy, and creativity. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a successful entrepreneur, founding and operating Fantastic Cleaning Company for more than 40 years. In retirement, she pursued her creative passions, including painting and sewing. She painted scenic works and lovingly made blankets, handbags, and diaper bags for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mariann was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Eldred Moore; her sister, Cecelia Roberts; and her stepson, Michael Murphy.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Murphy; her sister Theresa Moore, her sons, Byron Handy (Traci) and Robert Handy (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Caitlyn (Evan), Madalyne (Mason), Madison (Bobby), and Olivia; and her great-grandchildren, Hudson, June, Riggs, Rocky, Rose, Grace, and Blake.

Mariann loved Tom’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unconditionally, as if they were her own, and she was very fortunate to have received their love in return. Mariann is survived by her stepchildren, Kim McWaters (Chris), John Murphy (Sue), and Staci Candrea (Nick); her step-grandchildren, Nick (Krystal), Michael (Sierra), Tanner (Madison), Matthew, Brock (Samantha), Kameron, McKenah (Nick), Alexys, and Hayden; and her step-great-grandchildren, Tillman, Taylen, Tinsley, Reese, Rylee, Nixon, Indy, and Oliver.

Mariann will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Lawn Mortuary, 719 North 27th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85009, on Saturday January 17, 2026, visitation at 9:30 a.m., Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. All who knew and loved Mariann are welcome to attend. Committal will take place at 11:30 a.m at Greenwood Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider a memorial donation to Hospice of the Valley, whose compassionate care meant so much to Mariann and her family. https://hov.org/donate/donate-now/, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.