Lois Murphy Rochester

Lois had moved to Oregon in July of 2013 to be near her daughter, Joy. However, the home she knew and loved was Odessa, TX. She first moved to west Texas in the early 1930’s when her parents, Rev. Thomas D. Murphy Sr. and Christine Murphy took several pastoral assignments in the area. Odessa became home in 1937 when her father accepted the call to be the first fulltime pastor at the First Presbyterian Church. The family lived in Sunday school rooms and used the church kitchen while a home was prepared for them. Lois felt fortunate to have started piano lessons at the age of 6 when a church member donated the time to teach her. She grew up in the church playing the piano and organ for services as well as having sung in the choir for many years. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1941.

It was in the First Presbyterian Church that she met the love of her life, Louis Rochester. After a long and proper courtship they were married just one month prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor; November 8, 1941. Her brother, Rev. H. Leland Murphy, performed the ceremony. Shortly after their marriage, Louis left to serve his country for almost 4 years. During his absence, Lois worked as the chaplain’s secretary at Hq. Midland Army Air Base. She also attended Odessa College and Texas Women’s University, majoring in music.

After Louis returned from his service and went into the real estate business, Lois began her many years of civic service and raising their family. Their son, Louis Paul, was born in 1951. Their daughter, Joy Christine, was born in 1957.

Lois’ major community work started with Odessans Care for the Aging. The non-profit group was one of the first known home based nursing services for the elderly. She continued to nourish her love of music by joining Odessa Music Study Club and later was a charter member of the Tuesday Morning Music and Arts Club. She served as president and vice-president of the Texas Federation of Music Study Clubs. She was also an active volunteer and contributor to the Midland/Odessa Symphony. She was particularly passionate about teaching children to play the piano.

Lois followed her father and Louis into more civic service through the Rotary Club and was a founding member of the Odessa Rotary Anns. She was proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow. She and Louis gave generously of their time and resources throughout the Permian Basin. Additionally, they created scholarships in music and business at multiple colleges and universities in the state of Texas.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Leland, and her beloved Louis. She is survived by their son, Paul and his wife Luanne, of Dripping Springs, TX and their daughter, Joy and her husband Rick, of Bend, OR. She is further survived by three grandchildren Leslie Christine Simpkins, Alexander Louis Barrios, and Monica Rosa Barrios, her brother Thomas D. Murphy Jr., and 3 generations of nieces and nephews. Lois was a genuinely sweet, loving, and spiritual woman who will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

A visitation will be held at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home on Friday, November 27th from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial celebration will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 28th, with Pastor Cheryl Kincaid officiating. After services, Lois will be interred at Sunset Memorial Gardens next to Louis. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lois Rochester scholarship in music at U.T.P.B., the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa, or a place of your choosing.