Bonnie Lou Murphy (Markham)

Bonnie Lou Markham Murphy

September, 1925 to February, 2019

Bonnie Murphy went home to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully with her loving family at her side at her home in Montrose Saturday, February 23^rd.

Bonnie was born in Buffalo, Kansas. She lived in Garnett, Kansas in her early childhood then moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she graduated from Westport High School at the age of 16. She worked at Hallmark Greeting Cards in Kansas City until she moved to Seattle to work for Boeing Aircraft for the war efforts. She worked building B-17 planes then was chosen to work on the very first B-29, the aircraft that carried the nuclear bombs to Japan. She told us that it was very secretive even though none of the workers knew what the plane was to be used for.

On July 17, 1944 Bonnie eloped with the love of her life, I.G. (Bud) Murphy.  It was the beginning of a 60 year marriage filled with laughter, fun, and adventure.  After the war, they moved to Climax, Colorado, elevation 11,318 ft., where they enjoyed the mountains, fishing and boating on Twin Lakes.  They took a wild and exciting trip down the Mississippi River on the 17 foot cabin cruiser which they built in their garage.

After her daughter went to school, Bonnie worked at the Climax Hospital until she and Bud retired and moved back to Kansas to look after their elderly parents. She was interested in antiques so she bought some books, learned about them and opened a beautiful antique shop. She and Bud had fun buying the antiques from the surrounding area, cleaning them up and filling the shop with wonderful things. They moved to Montrose in1995. Daughter Patti and son-in-law, Jim, moved here in 2001. When their home was built, Bud and Bonnie moved in with them and they all enjoyed life together.

Her three grandsons, Jamie, Jon and Mike, were the joy of her life. “Gramie and Papa” never missed a birthday, Christmas, Easter or other special occasion no matter how far they had to drive. She was a huge influence in the lives of the boys and as each married, the wives became her granddaughters.

Bonnie was active in DAR and PEO as well as being an active member of Montrose Christian Church. She loved gardening, reading, and playing cards.

Her sparkle, humor and fun loving attitude will be greatly missed by her family; daughter Patti Whitticom, son-in-law Jim Whitticom, grandsons, Jamie Whitticom (Amy), Jonathan Whitticom (Wray), and Michael (Lauren).  She leaves 6 great grandchildren, Ella, James, Kate, Charlie, Virginia and Rose. She also leaves a sister, Elinor, in Texas and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her life will be held at Montrose Christian Church at 10AM on  Tuesday, March 12^th. After the ceremony, a light lunch will be served at the family home at 60780 LaSalle Road.

Cremation has taken place and the service will conclude at the church. Arrangements are being handled under the direction and care of the Crippin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Hope West.