Virgina E. Murphy, 90, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at her home in Conway Springs.

Virginia was born March 1, 1934, at Dodge City to Frank C. James and Alberta Ellen Thomas James. She spent her early life in Dodge City, and moved to Chicago, Ill., at the age of 7. In 1944, the family moved to 622 S. Glen in Wichita, where Virginia attended Allison Junior High. She attended Wichita North High School, where she graduated with the class of 1952.

Virginia was united in marriage to James LeVon Murphy on Nov. 26, 1952, in Wichita. They made their home in Wichita following their marriage.

Virginia began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a young woman. She began a 31-year career as a telephone operator, which ultimately worked into business office and accounting office jobs. She later retired as a clerk in the accounting department in 1992.

Virginia and Jim moved to Conway Springs, where they owned and operated the Otasco store from 1979 until 1983. Jim died October 8, 1996.

Virginia was a very active member of the First Christian Church, Conway Springs, where she served in numerous capacities and as the children’s Sunday School teacher for many years. She was also involved in foster care in her home from 1989 to 1992.

Virginia was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Della Jones.

She is survived by two sons, Charles Floyd Murphy, III and wife Mary of Goddard, and James Thomas Murphy of Conway Springs; one daughter, Connie Patten and husband Randy of Garfield, Ark; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service was conducted at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at First Christian Church, Conway Springs, with Pastor Bobby Massey, Hope Church, Wichita, officiating. Interment was private in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Wichita.

Arrangements were by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs. Online condolences and guest book are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

Memorials have been established with First Christian Church of Conway Springs and the Alzheimer’s Association.