Shirley Sue Frank Murphy, 90, formerly of Hutchinson, died February 23, 2025, at Homestead of Eudora. She was born December 9, 1934, in Hutchinson, to Barney Garrett and Selma Ora (Bekker) Cole.
Shirley graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1952. She attended Hutchinson Community Junior College, and graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. Shirley was an administrative assistant for the Board of Education prior to becoming a teacher. She taught accounting, shorthand, marketing, typing, general business and computer application at Hutchinson High School and was instrumental in starting Hutch High Alternate School. She taught at HHS for almost 25 years. Shirley and her husband Pat were co-founders of the Hutchinson Watersports Club, and spent most of their time at the lake. Shirley always had a passion for volunteering. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, PTA President, at the Hospital Auxiliary and other organizations in Hutchinson. Shirley was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Chapter D.
On January 6, 1952, she married Patrick P. Frank, in Hutchinson. They shared over 46 years of marriage, prior to his death on May 13, 1998. On August 30, 2003, she married William J. “Bill” Murphy Jr., together they shared eight years of marriage, prior to his death on July 14, 2012.
Shirley is survived by: her daughter, Cindy (Doug) Lewis of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; daughter in-law, Judy Frank of Basehor; grandchildren, Emily Caplinger of Leavenworth, Kyle (Katie) Frank of Olathe, great grandchildren, Kale, Evan and Dylan Caplinger and Will and Wrenley Frank; sister, Patti Deck of Phoenix, AZ; stepsons, Joe (Donna) Murphy, Mike (Robin) Murphy, their children and grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husbands, Patrick Frank and Bill Murphy Jr.; and son, Randall “Randy” Frank.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m.
Click here to view the funeral service for Mrs. Frank Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Salthawk Community Support, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS.