Irene’s Obituary Irene R. Murphy, age 107, of Huron, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Violet Tschetter Memorial Home in Huron. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with burial to follow at St. Martin’s Cemetery in Huron. Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Thursday, February 28, 2019 with family present from 5-7 PM.
A Rosary and Scripture service will be at 6:30 PM on Thursday evening; or one hour prior to the service on Friday. Irene Ruth Ripple was born on August 14, 1911 in Lesterville, South Dakota to parents John and Anna (Poli) Ripple. Irene had six sisters, including her twin, one brother, and one half sister.
She grew up in Lesterville having attended grade school and 3 years of high school there. She then had to move to Rapid City to graduate from Rapid City High School in 1930. Irene then attended Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls.
Irene worked for 5 years in the State Agricultural Adjustment Administration Office in Brookings and was then transferred to the State Office in Huron in 1939. Irene married Melvin (Mike) Murphy on February 20, 1941 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Huron. Irene was a faithful member of St. Martin’s and Resurrection Churches, now Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, for many years.
In Irene’s 107 years, she never missed a weekly Mass. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America’s and St. Francis Thrift Shop. Irene also volunteered as a Pink Lady at the hospital, RSVP, and a member of HRMC Auxiliary.
In 2017, Irene was honored to be named the Irish Queen of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, despite her German ancestry. Irene was also a member of the Century Club for South Dakota and at the time of her passing was the 3rd oldest South Dakotan. Irene enjoyed her many travels, bridge games, and her volunteer work for all those years.
She loved music and dancing; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy and always there for that helping hand. Irene was very close to her sister-in-law, Hazel. They were more like sisters and had been neighbors for many years on the farm, Countryview Estates and Violet Tschetter Memorial Home, always just a few doors apart.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike in 1979; her parents; six sisters, one brother, and one half sister. She was also preceded by her special sister-in-law Hazel Murphy in 2018. Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Kathy (Denny) Mead of Huron and Pat (Bonnie) Murphy of Spokane, WA.
Six grandchildren, Corey (Robin) Mead, Heidi (Scott) DeJong, Cody (Chrissy) Mead, Dustin (Teri) Murphy, Chad (Amanda) Murphy, and Katie (Jason) Daniel and 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She also has six nieces and seven nephews that were special to her as well as special friends, Henry and Sandy Hanten. Irene’s family wishes to thank the many caregivers who touched her life these past years.
Countryview Estates, Violet Tschetter Memorial Home, and Holy Trinity Catholic Parish friends and caregivers all enhanced her life greatly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Francis Thrift Store or Catholic Daughters of America, two organizations important to Irene.
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