Cheryl Lynne Murphy

Cheryl Lynne Murphy, 72, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at Methodist Hospice. A memorial service will be held at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church on Wednesday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m., with a burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Cheryl was born (oldest of 5 siblings) on April 5, 1952, to Keith and Edna (Baldwin) Eakins, Sr. She was a creative soul with a passion for artistic expression. Cheryl was a talented writer, poet, and storyteller, known for her ability to create vivid fantasy portraits through her drawings and paintings. She had a love for interior design, flower arranging, and was an avid reader who treasured her time at the library.

A devoted mother and big sister, Cheryl found joy in nurturing and teaching children, including her siblings and her own kids, often giving them fun and creative projects to do. She cherished nature and animals, enjoyed swimming, and was an active member of the Girl Scouts in her youth. She played the flute in her school band and became well-versed in sign language, adding another layer to her many talents.

Cheryl worked at a daycare so she could remain close to her children and volunteered at their school. She also wrote a book "Once Upon a Lime" showcasing her love of storytelling. Cheryl enjoyed sewing, solving puzzles, and playing computer games in her leisure time.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Curtis) Danilson, Sarah Murphy, and Thomas Murphy; her grandchildren, Kayla, Dereck, Cameron, Shelby, Faith, and Grace; and great-grandchild Adrian. Cheryl is also survived by her siblings, Linda (Anthony) Russell, Rebecca Russell, Keith Eakins, Jr. (Cheryl Sander), and Debra (Bryan) Spangler; her aunt, June (Carl E.) Combs; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Daniel Murphy; her niece, Carrie Russell; her brother-in-law, Wayne Russell; and her sister-in-law, Cheryl Eakins.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Calvin Community, Des Moines Public Library, or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Cheryl will be remembered for her boundless creativity, her deep love for family and children, and the beauty she brought into the world through her art and kindness. She will be dearly missed.