Sandra Murfin

PEORIA - Sandra Christine Murfin, 65, of Peoria passed away at 7:08 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, at her residence.

Born Sept. 26, 1948, in Peoria to Arthur and Sarah (Brown) Russell, she married Richard Robinson on Feb. 19, 1972, in Peoria. He preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 1993, in Peoria. She later married Charles "Chuck" Murfin on Sept. 30, 1994, in Pekin. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Nicole Robinson of Tyler, Texas, and Danelle (David) Thorpe of Dunlap; four stepchildren, Daune (Frank) Calovini, Mike (Anna) Murfin, Tim (Becky) Murfin and Lori (Jeff) MacDonald; two grandchildren, Miya Robinson Thorpe and Maxwell Crosby Thorpe; nine stepgrandchildren, Jamie, Reece, Ellen, Ben, Andy, Katie, Braden, Olivia and Emma; one sister, Mary (Dave) Chamberlain of Peoria; and three brothers, Jim (Vicki) Russell of Hanna City, Ernie (Mary) Russell of Edelstein and Lynn (Sandy) Russell of Lonsdale, Minn.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

She was a former executive director at Pekin YWCA. She had also enjoyed success in outside sales for Pitney Bowes and U.S. Cellular. She last worked part time as a trainer for Curves in Peoria Heights.

Sandra volunteered at the Pekin Hospital Women's League, as chair on the Junior Golf League and as a room mother.

She also enjoyed sewing quilts for Project Linus and Christmas stockings for Operation Santa, but the greatest joys of her life were her family and friends.

She was a member of the Edelstein Congregational Church, where a celebration of life gathering will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Edelstein. Sandra's brother, Ernie Russell, will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Rather than flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the Illinois Cancer Center Foundation, 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615, or to her church at 2903 W. Main St., Edelstein, IL 61526.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.