Barbara Joan Murphy was the first child born to Wilbur and Violet Merrill on April 3, 1940, in Turlock, California. She lived a full life as a beloved member of the community and a faithful servant of the Lord. She carried with her a love for others that can only be compared to the love of Jesus- unconditional and unwavering. On August 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends, Barbara took her last breath on Earth, signifying the beginning her everlasting life in the arms of the Father.
Barbara graduated from Turlock High School and went on to attend Modesto Junior College. As an avid follower of Christ, she was a member of several congregations throughout her lifetime, always eager to share Christ’s love with those around her. In her childhood, she attended Mountain View Sunday School Union, a church her parents and close friends founded. During her high school years, she was active in youth groups, with the highlight being her participation in the Youth for Christ Trio at Beulah Covenant Church. Alongside two other members, she sang for a variety of audiences, from youth gatherings to churches, and even in local jails. In her adult life, Barbara was a member of New Life Christian Center, where she served faithfully by helping count tithes and enjoying fellowship with other believers.
In her youth, Barbara assisted with bookkeeping at her family’s business, Merrill Feeds, and often spoke fondly of helping on the family’s turkey ranch. She loved spending time with God’s creation—birdwatching, gardening, and admiring flowers. She also enjoyed knitting, creating blankets for her loved ones and sharing her talents with family. More than anything, Barbara treasured quality time with her family, devoting much of her free time to loving on her children and grandchildren.
On August 1, 1959, Barbara married James “Jim” Murphy, after growing up just down the street from him. Much of her married life was spent supporting Jim in several family business endeavors, including Murphy Chopping Service, Murphy Trucking, and Sunset Spa and Stove Center.
Barbara was not only a devoted wife, but also a loving, nurturing, and compassionate mother. She and Jim were blessed with three children: two sons, Todd and Scott, and one daughter, Shara. She raised her children in the ways of the Lord and was known for her gift of welcoming the friends of her children as well as grandchildren into her home, loving them as if they were her own.
She is survived by her children, Todd (Sheryl) Murphy of Wylie, Texas; Scott Murphy of Turlock; and Shara (Randy) of Turlock; her brothers, Dan (Jerri) Merrill of Placentia, and Clark (Sue) Merrill and Allen (Carla) Merrill, both of Turlock; eight grandchildren—Amber, Jared, Kylee, Shaun, Derik, Lindsey, Annistyn, and Ridge; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Violet Merrill, and her husband, James “Jim” Murphy.
Visitation will be held at Allen Mortuary on Friday, August 22, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Turlock Memorial Park on Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Christian Center. We ask that attendees wear bright colors if possible as we celebrate her Heavenly Homecoming together!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Barbara’s memory be made to the Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center.
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