Mary Margaret Murphy, age 97, of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe.

Mary was born on May 9, 1929, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Richard “Art” and Maggie (Birkhead) Carberry and remained a lifelong resident of the community. Mary graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Chillicothe in 1947.

On November 7, 1948, Mary married Vincent Lee Strange at St. Joseph’s Church in Chillicothe. Together, they shared 32 years of marriage and built a family that remained one of the most important parts of her life. On July 31, 1982, she married Thomas Murphy, Jr., and they were blessed with 36 years together.

Mary devoted many years to her career, first working as an administrative assistant for John Hancock Insurance Company. She also worked for the Missouri Division of Employment Security, for 34 years before retiring on March 31, 1998.

Mary was a lifelong member of St. Columban Catholic Church in Chillicothe, where her faith remained a source of strength throughout her life. Mary also enjoyed staying active and involved in her community. She was a member of the Vern R. Glick Post #25 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Hedrick Medical Center Auxiliary, Pinochle Card Club, Red Hatters, Jolly Jane’s, and Chilli Campers. Through these organizations, she had opportunities to share friendship, laughter, and fellowship with others. Mary loved spending time in Branson, Missouri, where she enjoyed many of the shows, some multiple times. She also enjoyed traveling by land and sea, cruising to numerous ports.

Mary is survived by her three children, David Strange and wife, Linda, of Jefferson City, Missouri; Patricia Kahn and husband, Bill, of Solon, Iowa; and Marcia Putnam and husband, Roger, of Chillicothe, Missouri; her stepchildren, Mike Murphy of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Gail Murphy and Steve Prewitt of Buffalo, Missouri; and her step daughter-in-law, Paula Murphy of Chillicothe, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jason Strange and wife, Leslie; Brooke Peters and husband, Doug; Cameo Price and husband, Landy; Brandon Kahn and wife, Dulce; Craig Putnam and wife, Ashley; Trent Putnam; Sarah Murphy; Shane Murphy; and Ben Murphy; along with twelve great grandchildren who added so much joy to her family. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Vincent Strange and Thomas Murphy, Jr.

Mary leaves behind a family who will remember her and cherish the many years they shared. The memories she leaves behind will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family would like to give a special thank you for the support of Anneshia Kilburn and Sue Carr, as well as many other special caregivers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Columban Catholic Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A brief visitation will be held at St. Columban Catholic Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Mary will lie in-state at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and again on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with the visitor register available for signing. Burial will be held at St. Columban Catholic Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions may be made to St. Columban Catholic Church and/or Festival of Lights and/or Forest O. Triplett Animal Shelter and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.