Karen Lee Murphy

Karen L. Murphy, 75, of Springfield, passed away at 5:10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at St. Johns Hospital. Karen was born September 15, 1941 in Springfield, the daughter of Ernest Lee and Clara Johanna Harms Schmidt. Karen graduated from Springfield High School. She worked for the State of Illinois House of Representatives, and retired from State of Illinois Fire Marshall Office. She was one of the founding board members of Childrens Safety Committee, and was a Grandview Village Trustee. Karen enjoyed reading and working in her yard. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joann Parkes; and brother-in-law, Delmer Parkes. She is survived by her sons, Douglas D. Murphy of Springfield and Thomas E. (Carla K.) Murphy of Sherman; daughter, Patricia B. (Brad) Stone of Springfield; grandchildren, Michael Murphy, Whitney Hillman, and Erin and Madison Murphy; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Elana, and Tristan Hillman brother, John (Carol) Schmidt of Sherman; and four nieces, Janet Parkes, Ann Oschwald, Allison Schmidt, and Kaitlyn Schmidt. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street. Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Robert Shaw officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148.