Karen Murphy

Karen S. Murphy

(nee Howell)

Age 58 of Wilmington passed away peacefully Friday July 17, 2009 at her home. Born October 30, 1950 in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late John C. Howell and Fern Rhodes-Howell. Karen was raised and educated in Wilmington, and graduated from Wilmington High School. On February 28, 1969, she married Dan Murphy. Karen was a teller-supervisor for the 1st American Bank of Joliet until her retirement, a member and greatly enjoyed the Gospel Assembly Church of Bourbonnais, gardening, arranging flowers, crafts, shopping at Tuscola and her family.

Karen is survived by her husband: Dan; one son: Daniel (Joann) Murphy of Wilmington; one daughter: Angela Murphy of Milwaukee, WI; her adored granddaughter: Jessica Murphy; her mother Fern Howell of Wilmington; one brother: James (Louella) Howell of Wilmington; two brothers and sister in law: Ronald and Kathleen Hamilton and John Robert Murphy all of Wilmington as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and especially Joyce Milligan.

Karen was preceeded in death by her father and two brothers: John C. Howell Jr., and William Howell.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009 between the hours of 4:00PM and 7:00PM and Tuesday July 21st from 9:00AM until time of service 10:00AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington with Brother Steve Wilkinson officiating.

Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Karen's memory to The Gospel Assembly Church, 1706 A. West Route 112, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914.

A special thank you to Joliet Area Hospice.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)