Dorothy Sarah (DeMoss) Murphy
January 03, 2019
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Service Details
Dorothy Sarah (DeMoss) Murphy
Des Moines
Dorothy Murphy passed away January 3, 2019, at Valley View Village in Des Moines at the age of 100. She was born April 10, 1918, in Wabasso, Minnesota, to Sylvester William and Grace (Purdy) DeMoss. She was a longtime member of Des Moines I.O.O.F. Rebekah Lodge. Her father, Sylvester was a charter member of the organization and her husband, Gene, was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, I.O.O.F.
Dorothy played her double-reed harmonica in North Senior Center jam sessions until she was 95. She had been taught as a 7 year old child by her uncles.
She and Gene loved traveling in their camper while searching for semi-precious gems for family jewelry. They spent lazy days of summer fishing at Saylorville Lake.
Dorothy celebrated her 100th birthday at a Northside Community Center party and enjoyed an afternoon of talking with friends and family.
In 2016, she attended her 80th Altoona High School Reunion, as the only remaining alumni of the class of 1936. She received a tiara and red roses.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Janet Murphy and Sandie (Terrance) Heitter; John G. Jensen, son-in-law; Judith Gustafson, step-daughter; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 12 great great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; daughter, Karen Jensen; 6 sisters and 2 brothers.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 14, 2019, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., with services to begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kimberley Negrete
01/13/2019
My sincere condolences go to Dorothys family, my mother is Diana DeMoss Negrete, the niece to Aunt Dorothy so my great aunt, my grandfather was aunt Dorothys brother. Just learned of her passing today as my mother called me and told me it was in the Register.
So sad I only met her a few times through the years but did always want to talk with her about the genealogy of the DeMoss family, wanted to compare notes but never did get that chance.
Please know that my mother Diana and the rest of us are very sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and aunt. My mom did send a plant over to Hamiltons and she cant really get around anymore like she use to.
Much love, hugs and prayers for you.. what a legacy the DeMoss clan has left behind. An incredible amazing history of our family. Anyone that wants to reach out they are more than welcome to do so and we can sure chat about this great family of ours anytime! My number is 5156124347, would love to hear from some family for sure.
I would go to this funeral but have a child I babysit during the week and its just too late for arrangements to be made for her, but I am sincerely sorry and wish I could attend.
MARY GUTIERREZ
01/13/2019
My condolences to the family. Your mother lived a long time and saw many changes in the world. GOD's word promise a resurrection of the dead.(Acts 24:15) We will see our loved ones live again, on a paradise earth, where death and pain will be no more. (Rev.21:3-5; Psalms 37:11,29) For more comfort from GOD's word, go to jw.org.
Amber Micka
01/08/2019
My condolences to the family for your loss of Mrs. Murphy. May God strengthen and comfort you with his promise of the resurrection. Acts 24:15
Maggie Stout
01/08/2019
Sorry for your loss. What a joy it was to know Dorothy and her family. I only found out today that she passed. I will cherish the memory of her beautiful smile when she received tiara and roses as Homecoming Queen in 2016 at the Altoona All School Reunion. Love and prayers to your family.
Maggie Stout
gloria
01/07/2019
Our sincere condolences to the Murphy family for your loss. The bible gives us hope in John 5:28, 29.
Elaine Stutsman
01/07/2019
To Sandie, her family, and all Dorothy's friends; so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Praying God touch you all with peace and comfort.
James and Linda Jacobe
01/07/2019
To the family of Dorothy we send our prayers for comfort at this time of great loss. It is a loss for many people who grew to love her. She talked about how much her daughters helped her. She became like family to us especially after Gene's death. We knew them and our family love them greatly and how they shined for the Lord in front of so many people in the Lodge we belonged to for many years. Our children and our granddaughter looked to them as mentors who kept their Christian standards High. Dorothy met up with us again at the senior center right after Gene passed on to heaven. There we ate lunch together most days unless she was sick or in the hospital. We love her and know she is in the arms of Jesus and is playing her beautiful music on her harmonica. We love you and Hope you take comfort from knowing she is in no further pain and is 1 looking down and praying for each of us. God bless you all!
Debi Kemp
01/06/2019
Sending lots of love to Dorothys family. I only met her a few times but she was a total sweetheart.
Sally Lawson
01/06/2019
I loved Dorothy. She was a fine lady. I would sit with her and wait for the bus to take her home from the Senior Center at Park Fair. My sympathy goes to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.