Erna Goulding Murphy Obituary (1914 - 2007)

Erna Murphy peacefully passed away March 5, 2007 in Coos Bay, Oregon at the age of 92. She was born on October 8,1914 in Panguitch, Utah to George Daniel Goulding and Gladys Young Goulding. She was the second of five daughters. The family was a close knit and loving family who were all active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She married Everett Murphy shortly before World War II and because of the events surrounding Pearl Harbor they moved with their family to Southern California so Everett could use his skills in welding producing aircraft for the war effort. They raised their family in Long Beach and Anaheim, California. After an early retirement they returned to their beloved Utah. “Family” was their number one hobby: Family reunions; Murphy’s one year and Goulding’s the next year with many gatherings in between. Being around and involved with their 14 grandchildren’s and 37 great grandchildren’s lives was their top priority. She also had 7 great great-grandchildren. Growing up, her children remember that their parents never took a trip that they did not take the entire family. Even a night out on the town was accompanied by the kids. Their religion was very important to them; both had strong testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and mom was able to talk to many of the nurses at Hearthside about her life and her knowledge that someday soon that she would be with her eternal companion. They served faithfully in the Church; serving three full time missions. They were called to serve in England, South East Texas Houston Mission and a 3 year Manti, Utah Temple mission. RV-ing with Erna’s and Everett’s beloved sisters and husbands was also a special part of their retirement; exploring breathtaking beauty of Southern Utah, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the Canyonlands, a special place to Erna and her family as that is where she spent the early years of her life. She is survived by two daughters, Judy (Clayton) Hassell of Coquille, OR and Patricia (Ray) Springer of Santa Ana, CA, 14 Grandchildren, 37 Great Grandchildren and 7 Great Great-Grandchildren, a Sister Maxine and Delbert Adamson of Murray, UT. Erna is preceded in death by her husband, Everett Lawrence Murphy; sons, Gerald Dan Nelson, (2 yrs), Rodney Gene Nelson, (35 yrs), great grandson, Charles Everett Dodson (12), Phoenix Jermain (1), Clayton Ray Hassell (20). Funeral Services will be held Saturday March 10th at 2:00pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy.(10600 S). Friends and family may call Saturday from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm prior to the service. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.