Emma Caroline Murphy of Bourbon, Missouri was born on June 4, 1930 in Bourbon, Missouri to Royal and Dorthea (Kruse) Cartwright and passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026 at the age of 95 years.
She was raised in Bourbon, Missouri where she attended school and was honored as May Queen during her high school years.
On August 11, 1951 she married C. Dale Murphy.
She enjoyed the outdoors, whether she was fishing, tending to her flower beds or simply enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Emma was also a gifted artist. Many knew her for her nationally recognized painted eggs. She had the distinct honor of representing the state of Missouri at the White House First Lady Commemorative Egg Event on three occasions, where she met three First Ladies. In addition to her eggs, Emma painted birds, flowers, and wildlife scenes and was skilled in stained glass, even contributing her craftsmanship to windows in local churches.
She was a lifelong and devoted member of Bourbon First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, C. Dale Murphy; parents, Royal and Dorthea Cartwright; and six siblings, Walter Cartwright, Jim Cartwright, Henry Cartwright, Paul Cartwright, Geraldine Mullen and Pauline Ramstein.
She is survived by her children, Debbie Young and husband Larry of Springfield, Missouri and Douglas Murphy and wife Kelly of Bourbon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Lauryn Zastoupil and husband John of Knoxville, Tennessee, Christopher Murphy and wife Karlee of Rosebud, Missouri and Chad Murphy and wife Caroline of Wildwood, Missouri; three great grandchildren, Blaire, Iyla Jane and Madeline; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from noon to 1 p.m. on April 3, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Remembrance Memorial Service was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Mike King.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
