Nancy Sue Murray

Nancy grew up in Davenport, where she developed a love for ice skating and formed friendships in high school that became lifelong and deeply cherished.

She attended the University of Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. While at the University, she met her future husband, Pat Murphy. After graduation, Nancy moved to Des Moines and began her career at the Des Moines Register, where she made history as the first woman to sell retail advertising—an area previously reserved for men, while women were limited to classified advertising.

Nancy and Pat were married and lived throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and South, ultimately welcoming three children: Brian, Pat, and Susan. After her husband passed away at the age of 37, Nancy returned to Des Moines with her three young children and raised them as a devoted single mother. During this time, she worked a variety of jobs and demonstrated remarkable strength and determination, all while remaining actively involved in her children’s sporting events, school activities, and daily lives.

Later in life, Nancy met Jim Murray in Des Moines. They began dating, fell in love, and shared a marriage of over 40 years. After many years in Indiana, they returned to Iowa and made their home in LeClaire.

Nancy was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. She also volunteered her time and served on the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Bill Museum. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, her talent as a writer, her love of cooking, and her ever-present spirit of fun.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Louise Erickson, and by her first husband, Pat Murphy.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Murray, her sister, Judy Kay; her son Brian Murphy and his wife, Char Murphy; their children Samantha Girdner (and her husband, Clay Girdner, and their children, Emmett and Charlie), Miranda Anderson (and her husband, Eric Anderson), and Jessica Murphy; her son Pat Murphy and his wife, Joyce Carlson; and her daughter Susan Murphy and her husband, Dan DeMichele. Nancy is also survived by nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

She will be missed tremendously.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Buffalo Bill Museum or Our Lady of the River Catholic Church would be appreciated. Information on the websites listed below.

https://www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com/

https://olotr.org/

A service will be held on December 19, 2025, at 10:30am at Our Lady of the River Catholic Church.