Sara Jane Dehner Murphy

Sara was born May 21, 1950, in Springfield, the daughter of Frederick V. and Mona (Lutz) Dehner. She married Richard Dale Murphy on July 28, 1973, in Lincoln, IL; he preceded her in death on December 14, 2020.

Sara graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and attended Springfield College of Illinois. After college, she moved to Orlando, FL where she performed at both Disney World and in dinner theatres. There, she met the love of her life (Rick), and they moved back to Springfield, IL. She was employed as an administrative assistant for the City of Springfield. Sara was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church where she participated in the choir for many years. She enjoyed singing, cooking, collecting angels and engaging with people. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Sharon Dehner Marcy.

Sara is survived by her children, Sandra “Katie” (James) Williams of Peoria, Shaun Murphy of Springfield, and Timothy Murphy of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Jennifer Dynis, J.J. Williams, Kylee Williams, Jaden Williams, Ashlynn Murphy, and Lillian Murphy; siblings, Sandra Dehner Wheeler and Philip (Connie) Dehner; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Very Rev. Brian C. Alford, celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lincoln, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lymphoma Research Foundation, Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.