Opal V. Murphy

1952 - 2025

It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved Opal Vivian Murphy, on February 1, 2025, at UCD Medical Center.

Opal was born on December 31, 1952, to George F. and Violet V. Manhart at Colusa Hospital. Sadly, within 13 days, her father, George, passed away.

Later, Violet married Swen A. Sorensen, and together raised the six children, followed by the birth of Rose Anne.

Opal attended Williams Schools, graduating from Williams High School in 1971. She attended Yuba College getting her Business Degree in June of 1973.

Yuba City, CA, became her home. She worked two different businesses in Yuba City and Marysville, CA, before she retired.

Growing up, she loved living on the farm, horseback, bike riding, playing baseball with her siblings, family vacations, board games in the winter, longtime 4-H Member, sewing, cooking, and sheep showing at the fair, and summer camps.

She became a member of Parkside United Methodist Church in the 60's. She attended Sunday School, acted in Christmas plays, church camps, youth groups, and continued through the years to support her church in the ways she could.

She also loved square dancing. She was always grateful for the life on the farm and the knowledge it would give her for later in life, and for being part of seven siblings who kept close to one another.

Many times, us sisters would say, "why do we think our two older brothers can do no wrong?" We loved them.

She married James P. Murphy of Sutter, CA, on November 14, 1982. He came with two very special little boys, Audie and Andy, whom Opal adored.

They added two more sons, Anthony and Adam, to the family. Opal enjoyed her family, supporting them in school activities, Cub Scouts, FFA, Yuba Sutter fair, camping, deer and elk hunting, fishing, barbecues, and more. She loved trips to the ocean, visits to Adam and Sandi in Great Falls, MT.

She also enjoyed family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, graduations, whatever it was, be it at a Murphy family or the family ranch in Arbuckle, CA.

She continued to enjoy living in the country, taking in a stray cat or dog, she loved her chickens, Jim, and her vegetable garden and fruit trees, then give away what they could to others to enjoy. She took in craft shows and Cal Expo.

She loved spending time with her kids and grandchildren. Opal enjoyed supporting the veterans and keeping in touch with Jim's veteran friends he served with.

Opal is survived by her devoted husband, James P. Murphy; sons, Audie (Tonya), of Yankee Hill, CA, Andy (Adalena) of Paradise, CA, Anthony (Erica) of Live Oak, CA, and Adam (Sandi), of Great Falls, MT; grandchildren, Tyler, Tiffany, Malena, Blake, Hallie, and Grayson; four great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Ken (Shelly), of Sutter, CA, and Dan (Debbie) of Sutter, CA; sister-in-law, Judy Pretorius of Sutter, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She is also survived by her brothers, Charles F. Manhart, of Arbuckle, CA, and John (Marge) Manhart, of Williams, CA; sisters, Ruby (Dan) Gobec of Camino, CA, Violet G. Silva of Woodland, CA, Claire L. Froh, of Grimes, CA, and Rose Anne Sorensen of Arbuckle, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and special cousins in Denmark, who Opal was blessed to have visited in Denmark, and who had come here to visit us.

She is preceded in death by fathers, George F. Manhart, and Swen A. Sorensen; mom, Violet V. Sorensen; father and mother-in-law, Herbert James and Dorothy M. Murphy; brothers-in-law, Joe. V. Silva, Robert W. Bailey, Robert C. Froh, and Ted Pretorius.

We will always and forever remember Opal's laughter, unwavering love, kindness, caring, and the things she would do for all of us, no matter how small. She will be in our minds and hearts always. She knew we were there with her, before heaven took over.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Parkside United Methodist Church, in Williams, CA, on March 11, 2025, at 11 AM.

Donations may be made in Opal's memory to Parkside United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 515, Williams, CA, 95987, or American Legion Stephen M. Brammer Post 705, 1425 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City, CA, 95993, or to a charity of your choice.