Jean Murphy

Giannina E. (Busi) Murphy, 79, died Feb. 18, 2009 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

She was born Nov. 18, 1929, in Templeton, Calif., to Giacomo Busi and Katarina Pesenti. She attended high school in Templeton. After graduation, she worked in Paso Robles, Calif. as a telephone operator.

She met her future spouse Philip, of Jackson, Mont., during a USO dance. He was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed at Camp Roberts. They married on May 13, 1952 in Belvoir, Va., on his graduation day from Officer’s Candidate School.

They lived at Ft. Lewis, Wash. until his discharge from the Army and then made their first home in Canyon City. They later moved to the Middle Fork near Bates and then to a ranch in Monument where they lived for 46 years. In 2008, they moved to Pendleton to be closer to family and doctors.

In addition to raising four children, Mrs. Murphy enjoyed sewing, quilting, canning, cake decorating and gardening. She was remembered for the boxes of tomatoes and many other vegetables she gave away, as well as the many beautiful birthday, anniversary and wedding cakes she made for friends and family. She also helped on the ranch, changing sprinkler pipes, building fences, moving cattle, haying and any other job that needed doing.

Survivors include her husband, Philip W. Murphy; four children and their spouses, Mike (Shelly) Murphy, Monte (Cheryl) Murphy, Peggy (Glen) Murphy-Johnston and Trish (Mike) Montgomery; grandchildren, Amanda and Shane Murphy, Brianna Murphy-Johnston, Caleb and Emma Montgomery, Michael (Burcu) Crothers and their daughter Ela, and Keith (Jen) Brown and their son, Keegan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her four siblings, James Busi, Martha Bianchi, Maria Gates and Atillio Busi.

At her request, there will be no services at this time. A memorial service will be held later in the spring in Monument. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grant County Food Bank.

Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of the arrangements.