Sharon Murphy

They built their first home in south Provo's 'Manorly Court' where they met many life-long friends, eventually building a larger home in Orem after the birth of second daughter, Natalie. Their next move was a short one to St. George for one year in the new 'Green Valley' neighborhood, with more dear friendships made. In the Fall of 1981, they moved to their current home in Pleasant Grove and third daughter Ashleigh was born 2 years later.

Sharon relished in the role of homemaker and participated in many organizations with her local LDS Wards. She loved to 'Craft' with Tole Painting, Stamps, Scrapbooking and Quilting, with many new projects in the making until her death. She was a SUPER dedicated Genealogist and spent untold hours researching and documenting her ancestors, then offering to do the same for others. But that wasn't enough, she convinced Joel to travel to find actual gravesites, which included most Western and Midwest states. As a result, she “uncovered” some living relatives and descendants who became our extended family, including 'Catholic' Cousin, Jim Brandmeyer and his family in Illinois. Great years, even greater memories!

Sharon remained very close to both sets of her grandparents in Provo and loved to brag about her 'Grandpa Jack' who was an Iron worker that helped build the Oakland-Bay Bridge in the 1930's. We visited there often when Joel was on active Army duty during summer weeks. She loved to stay with her Uncle Ray who lived in Sausalito and enjoyed many trips to the beaches of southern California. Her favorite family trip destinations were Grand Tetons/Yellowstone, St. George and Palm Springs to stay with brothers-in-law, Dave & Glenn. Sharon had 3 epic 'bucket-list' trips: New York City/Washington DC, Hawaii and her ultimate dream: the beaches of Normandy, France. Son-in-law, Eric (Jenny) Wimmer was tour guide and Sharon had the opportunity to visit London, Stonehenge and the Highclere Castle, where her favorite series, Downton Abbey was filmed.

She loved wildflowers; daisies, sunflowers, poppies, and wildlife were favorite subjects and photography was her life's passion. She assembled many scrapbooks full of her photos that her grandchildren love to review, and countless others in shoe boxes and files.

She was very SENTIMENTAL about many things, especially for family members who had served in the military. She loved to fly the Flag! Sharon had special empathy for all marginalized humans and was a fierce advocate for 'Minorities' regardless of color, ethnicity, religion, sex or gender. She was a close, proud ally to many of the LGBTQ+ community including her own family members. The 'Rainbow Flag' flew often from her front porch. Her home was open to all, and she delighted in hosting several BYU football players for dinner and even 'sleep-overs.' When Joel and daughter Ashleigh joined wagon train friends on horseback for cross county treks, she went along reluctantly in a bumpy wagon, eating dust, making new special friends all along the way.