Per her wishes she will be cremated. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 3rd at Runge Mortuary of Davenport, IA. Memorials may be made in her honor to Family Resources Inc.
Paula was born on May 14, 1955, the daughter of Carl and Mildred (VanDyke) Murphy in Rock Island, IL. In 2000 she met the love of her life, Walter Rodgers and together they traveled around the U.S. while Walter was a truck driver. She worked for many years at Tri City Jewish Center (previously in Rock Island) and for "At Your Service Catering" in Rock Island, IL.
Paula was a lovely outspoken woman who was dedicated to her family. She loved them more than anything. Paula enjoyed a cold beer from time to time, spending time in her pool, sitting on her deck, going for walks along the river, watching the St. Louis Cardinals & Green Bay Packers play, fishing as well as gardening and bird watching. To those who knew her best know she was also a connoisseur of the finest herbal teas which she kept in her best sealed film canister.
Those missing her dearly are the love of her life, Walter Rodgers; Her children: Amanda (Melvin) Hawkins, Dennis Brooks II (Shaunna Ward), Maricella (Christopher) Newman, and Cynthia Mejia; siblings: Penny Murphy of Galesburg, IL, Ronald Murphy of Joy, IL, Clayton Murphy of Wild Rose, WI and Todd Murphy of Burlington, IA; grandchildren: Shawn Murphy, Samantha Murphy, Terrell Jarrett, Katrell Jarret, Vanessa Mejia, Octavio Caldiron, Elliana Mejia, Alexander Newman, Isabella Mejia, Osbaldo "Wallie” Mejia, He'Aven Francis, Dennis Brooks III and Allyson Stradt ; along with 9 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews among which was her niece Nichole Parker with whom she shared a special bond. Walter's children & family members: Leticia Jacobs, Walter Jr, Darrick Sr, Fee Monica and Derrick Brock. As well as many dear close friends she has made over the years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Christina Mejia.
