Eloise "Ellie" Dunbar Murphy

Eloise (Ellie) Dunbar Murphy, 60, was called to Heaven on September 18, 2013 while at home with her husband at her side, after a 4 year battle with cancer. She was born in Snyder, TX on June 8, 1953 to Robert & Virginia Wilson.

Ellie grew up the daughter of an oil man, and lived in Snyder, TX; Cortez, CO; Trinidad; and Richardson, TX before attending the University of Texas in Austin, TX where she met the man of her dreams. She graduated in 1975 and moved to Houston, and married Derris Murphy in 1976. They celebrated their 37th anniversary last February 28. After graduation she joined United Parcel Service for 13 years as she was promoted several times to become one of the youngest female managers and rose to Customer Service Manager while still in her early 30’s. She then “retired” to raise her two children, Preston and Julie, and discovered her true passion becoming not only a wonderful mother, but also their best friend. Ellie specialized in and became quite proficient at planning activities with family and friends and organizing the annual “Murphy Family Vacation,” which took her family all over the state, country, and the world. She loved camping and snow skiing, and cherished family and friends, always concerning herself with the welfare of everyone she knew. Ellie gained the reputation of being a relentless trooper as she slowly weakened during her battle with cancer. Without ever complaining, she was always ready to participate in any activity involving being with her friends. Ellie had countless girlfriends and fond memories remain with all who had the good fortune to know her.

Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, and by her nephew, Cory Wilson of Denver, Colorado. She is survived by her husband, Derris of Spring, TX, her son Preston Murphy of Austin, TX and fiancée Mary Martha Kidd, and her daughter Julie Murphy Palmer and husband Drew of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her brother Rob Wilson and wife Cindy of Denver, Colorado and their sons Justin and Taylor, and her sister Julia and her husband David Garza of Dallas, TX. Ellie was blessed to also be survived and remembered by many, many friends who were “like family” to her.

Ellie’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Millenium Oncology and especially Dr. Sethi and Dr. Berlingen for their wisdom and knowledge that extended and Ellie’s life by several years. They would also like to convey their gratitude to the people that made her so comfortable during the last few weeks of her life, Memorial Hermann Hospice and Rose, her personal caregiver.

Most of all, Ellie and her family attribute her quality of life and the time they had together to God. Ellie came to know The Lord at a young age, but grew in close relationship with Him through her battle with cancer. Ellie shared her love for God and for others through serving at her church, with Meals on Wheels, and at various events to help the elderly and those less fortunate. In the last few years of her life, Ellie experienced the joy of a women’s Bible study at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, who offered much prayer and support. Ellie now resides in Heaven with her Father, God.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 20 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, TX. A funeral service in celebration of Ellie’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 11:00am at Klein United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Cancer Society in Ellie’s name.