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Merrill Murphy Obituary
Merrill M. Murphy, 71, of Bath, died March 19 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Merrill and his wife, Barbara A. (Frey) Murphy, celebrated 54 years of marriage in September. He was born July 17, 1936 in Cementon, the son of the late Roland and Marion (Hoffman) Murphy. Merrill worked as the service representative for Ruhe Motors Corporation, National Car Rental and Alomo Car Rental. He was a member of Emmanuels Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bath. He was a long time member of Blue Mountain Hunters. Survivors: Merrill is survived by his wife; daughter, Linda L., wife of Carl Reiter, of Schnecksville; son, Terrence L. and his wife, Karen Whitehill, of Bath; grandchildren, Jennifer Murphy-Gabovitz and her husband, Michael, Rebecca A. Sabwa, Shawn M. Murphy and his wife, Megan, Lindsay T. Reiter, Christopher M. Reiter; two great-grandchildren, Christian A. Sabwa and Gabriella M. Sabwa; sister, Dolly Hangen of Bath. Services: will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton. Call 10-11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Officiating clergy will be the Reverend Elizabeth Mitchell.
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Memories and Condolences
for Merrill Murphy
Dave Eck
April 20, 2008
Dear Barb, Linda, Terry, & families,
We're very sorry for your loss. Merrill will truly be missed by all of us, as we thought of him as family. LeeAnne always thought of Merrill as a second father, and she was honored to be able to have him in her life. I'm also very honored to have been able to share many moments with Merrill, whether they were good or bad. He always cared about the other person, and would always lend an ear when he could. LeeAnne & I are so very glad to have had Merrill in our kids' lives, as he showed them love like he did his own grandchildren. Dan and Nicole will miss him as their Scene It Buddy. He always knew the right answers! Not a day goes by that we won't think of him! May God bless you all, and help heal your broken hearts. If you need us, we're always here for you.
All Our Love, Dave, LeeAnne, Dan, &
Nicole
Lou Rabenold
March 31, 2008
I am so very sorry to find out about Merrills passing? I only found out today, I'm so sorry I missed the services. I'm sure he will be living the outdoor life he always loved.
God bless you all and keep your faith that you will someday be reunited with Merrill.
Mildred Shuster
March 28, 2008
Barb and family,
I saw your husbands passing in the Morning Call and remembered him from the hospital my husband and Merrell shared. One week later my husband passed away the irony of it all. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. We too are grieving in the loss of our
loved one. You might remember our family better, my daughter had all the magazines.
Danielle Roland
March 27, 2008
Dear Jen and Barbara,
Some people come into your lives and just pass through. While others make a lasting impression that will never leave your heart and memories. I remember many trips to Florida, the lake, Canada, the beach as we traveled the U.S.! These fond memories are what I will always remember of Merrill and the family. I am so sorry for your loss and want to send my deapest condolences. Now, Jen, as I look to the sky, I can say to "Mr. Murphy, I love you man!" All my love. Danielle Roland(Sommer)
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Donna Wingle
March 26, 2008
Dear Barbara, Linda, and Terry,
I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. I always thought Merrill was a great man...fun, caring, and just great to be around. All those years ago at Eddie's Market, he never failed to make me smile. Then when we moved to Deibert's corner, I was priviledged to get to know all Bobby's friends and neighbors better, including Merrill and the three of you. I loved living in Petersville because of all of you. But change is part of living, sadly at times. Merrill will be missed. Thank you God for the memories and for blessing our lives with Merrill's presence. May we find peace in this blessing.
Donna (Frantz, Deibert) Wingle
JENNIFER MELISSA MURPHY-GABOVITZ
March 24, 2008
There is an empty rocking chair on the deck facing the creek. There is an empty driver's seat on the boat. There is an empty spot on the sofa where Pappy watched TV. There is an empty place in my heart. What remains in my heart are memories...memories of love, laughter, joking around, and making our own fun times : ) Pappy touched so many lives by taking an interest in everyone he met without judgement but with a joke and a story! I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU PAPPY!
Nancy Heffintrayer-Rice
March 23, 2008
Barbara, Linda & Terry: I opened my newspaper the day after dad's funeral. It saddened me to see his picture and to read of Merrill's passing. It brought back memories of our families. Merrill and my father John Heffintrayer had the same silly but gentle way about them. Our Families sat next to each other during sporting events and then your grandchildren and our children. Merrill reminded me so much of my father in so many ways, looks, smile, ect. My deepest sympathies to the entire Murphy family. Nancy (Heffintrayer) & Jeff Rice
Aunt Debbie
March 22, 2008
Dear Shawn and Megan and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of your Grandfather's passing. I pray you will be comforted at this difficult time. I've only met him a few times, but I know he was a very special man. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Richard & Susan Gabovitz
March 22, 2008
We are very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a such wonderful person to have known in our lifetime. God Bless Him and His Family.
Robert Deibert
March 22, 2008
We are saddened to hear the passing of my very, very dear friend. I grew up with him and fished & hunted with him all of my life. Merrill & Buddy were like second fathers to me. I am proud to have known him & to have been his neighbor all of my life. I will always cherish the memories of all the many trips & good times we shared together. I know that they both are now off somewhere fishing & hunting somewhere in God's Heaven. Catch a big one for me Merrill & save the story till I meet you again..You will be missed... Love, Bobby & Dee Deibert
Michele Duch
March 22, 2008
Dear Barbara & Family,
Brian and I send our love and prayers to you and your family and know that God will be with you helping you in this season of sorrow. I have written you something and pray these words would in some way send you comfort....It is called
The Heavenly Journey
No words can take the pain away, when silence falls, our minds recall and that is when our tears they fall. Releasing pain and sorrow too, our hearts are heavy with thoughts of you. It's at this time that I reflect God's perfect plan for you was met. To free you from your earthly pain, no more a bondage can remain. New body he has given you, the Lord our God has summoned you. You stretched your hand to all you knew to lift them up and help gave you, just what the Lord would have you do. Now to reward your loyalty and free you from your pain God took you home to be with him and leave this earthly plain. He picked you up with gentle hands and held you to his heart and at that very moment you two would never part..........I pray this gives you comfort Barb to know that Merrill lives, in heaven with his father in Christ he dwells within......With Love........Michele & Brian Duch
Jim & Donna Deibert
March 22, 2008
I'm sure Merrill will be fishing God's tranquil streams & lakes, one of his many loves of life.
Carlton Ritter
March 22, 2008
Barbara,
My thoughts and prayers are with you & your familly in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
KEVIN ORTIZ
March 21, 2008
MERRILL WAS A REALLY GOOD MAN, I WILL MISS ALL THE GOOD STORIES HE SHARED WITH US AT RUHE. HE OFTEN REMINDED ME OF MY GRANDPA WHO I MISS DEARLY. I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF HIM AND SHARE STORIES WITH OTHERS, GOD BLESS!
Vicki and Paul Skill
March 21, 2008
We're so sadden to hear about Merrill's passing. I know the best memories will be of all of us together on Thanksgivings for forty some years - through everyone growing up, kids, and kid's kids, football and games of pool, card games, movies and so much great food with wonderful friends. And then all the times in-between with visits to the shore or supers at home with my Mom and Dad. Merrill was always ready with the jokes and made me proud of what I had achieved (keeping Jen informed of the dog, car, job, etc.) I can't even begin to express how blessed we feel to be able to call all of you friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and we will treasure all those memories forever.
RICK DIAZ
March 21, 2008
I JUST KNEW MERRILL A FEW YEARS WORKING WITH HIM AT RUHE PONTIAC. HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST PEOPLE I HAD EVER KNOWN. I AM VERY HAPPY TO HAVE HAD THE PRIVELIGE OF SPENDING JUST OVER 4 YEARS WORKING WITH HIM.
Meg Murphy
March 21, 2008
I'll miss you pappy! Love you!
Wanda Brown
March 21, 2008
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I will miss my "cookie monster". You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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