Ilo Viestenz Murphy

1942 - 2024

Ilo Viestenz Murphy

March 1, 1942 - December 5, 2024

Ilo, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully December 5th, 2024, at the age of 82. Born to Harold and Donaleen Viestenz on March 1st,1942 in the small town of Forsyth, Mont., Ilo spent her formative years in Sidney, Mont. In school, she thrived in student activities and went on to attend the University of Montana in Missoula, graduating in 1964 with a BA in French and Education. In these early years, Ilo made many life-long friends as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and during summer breaks working at Yellowstone National Park.

After graduation, Ilo taught French and Spanish in Cheyenne, Wyo. During her time in Wyoming, she met her first husband, Allen Stephens. They were married in 1965. Soon a family began, with Ilo giving birth to her sons, Allen Jr. and Christopher. They raised their family in Forest Grove, Ore. Ilo and Allen Stephens divorced in 1985.

At a college reunion in 1995, Ilo reconnected with her college sweetheart, Allan Murphy, and they married in 1999. Ilo and Allan had 25 wonderful years together, living in Billings, Mont., Bend, Ore., and Portland, Ore. Ilo worked in banking during her career at West One and U.S. Bank. In retirement, Ilo and Allan enjoyed travelling, reading, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Ilo delighted in the comradery of women's groups - she crocheted and knitted as part of a group who provided warm hats for chemotherapy patients and started Mahjong groups in both Bend and Portland. Ilo also spent time working in her flower gardens with lovely results and was a talented photographer, capturing stunning photos of nature, flowers, and animals. She loved to create calendars and photo books to honor people and places.

Ilo had a great smile and beautiful blue eyes. She was always gracious, caring, positive and friendly and made many strong connections with people in every chapter of her life. Her wonderful sense of humor would always lighten the mood wherever she was, and she was a calming and loving presence for all of those who were in her life. She never said an unkind word about anyone, never took the spotlight, and never complained. She was modest and selfless, always serving others before herself.

Now she is in heaven, reunited with her son, Chris; her sister, Katherine; and her parents, Harold and Donaleen. She is survived by her husband, Allan Murphy; her son, Allen Stephens Jr.; daughter-in-law, Joan Stephens; her grandchildren, Sarah and Lucy; and Allan's son, Mark Murphy; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Murphy; grandchildren, Emma and Andrew; and daughter, Megan Murphy.