Nona Maye French Murphy

Sept 26, 1924 – May 28, 2014

"‘Lil’ Flower"

Nona Maye French Murphy passed away on May 28, 2014, at Kootenai Health Center, surrounded by all of her children and many of her grandchildren.

Nona was born September 26, 1924, in Casper, Wyo., to Theodore R. and Lorena Marie French. She had four brothers: Bob, Ted, Arthur and Doug. Growing up with only brothers, Nona learned early to compete and excel in all things she endeavored. She learned to love the outdoors as a child - camping, boating, hunting and fishing with her family. Nona was active in many sports, and especially enjoyed swimming, snow and water skiing. She was a member of the high school girls’ sports team, an honor student and member of the National Honor Society in high school. Nona graduated from Natrona County High School in 1942, and went on to receive a nursing degree from Pocatello General Hospital School of Nursing in 1948.

During her nursing training at the hospital, Nona met a handsome young man, Thomas L. Murphy, who was being treated for a ruptured appendix. After she nursed him back to health, they fell in love and were married on August, 8, 1948. Nona and Tom remained in Pocatello, Idaho, until 1955 when they moved to Idaho Falls with their children: Steve, Linda, and Mike. A fourth child, Carol, died shortly after birth. Nona and Tom spent 66 years together until Tom passed away just four months ago, on January 30. Along with their children and spouses, they have nine married grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Nona balanced the duties of wife, mother, and registered nurse with a very active life. She served for many years as a private duty nurse, working the night shift to allow her to be at home during the day while her children were growing up. Nona volunteered for the Red Cross and assisted in organizing their annual blood drives for nearly 20 years. She was an avid bowler, competing in as many as four or five leagues a season, and was a regular champion in many of the local and regional tournaments. She always encouraged others to do their best, and could be found at many sporting events or on school committees where she could support the activities of her family. Having all four of her brothers receive their Eagle Scout award, Nona understood the value of the scouting program, and was instrumental in both of her sons (plus about 10 of their friends who also fell under her influence) achieving this coveted award.

In their retirement years, Nona and Tommy enjoyed a variety of activities. They camped extensively throughout Idaho and the west, traveled thousands of miles between Burley and Coeur d’Alene to visit kids and grandkids, and attended just about every special family event such as graduations, weddings, or even state soccer tournaments of their grandchildren. Nona especially enjoyed the rides on the back of their Honda Aspencade, including road trips up into Canada with Ed and Virginia Brown. She took up golf, as well, and was pretty consistent keeping it down the middle of the fairway. Late night dominoes marathons, occasional jaunts to Jackpot, Nev., or just having Monday morning breakfast with the gang at Smitty’s Pancake House were all greatly enjoyed by her. Nona's long and active life took its toll on her physically, but she remained a competitor right up to the very end, closing her eyes for the last time just four months shy of her 90th birthday. Her final two years were spent in Coeur d’Alene, under the care of her family and Auburn Crest Hospice, ResCare Home Services, and By the Lake Assisted Living.

Nona was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bob and Ted; her infant child, Carol; and her forever companion, Tommy, aka "The Ol’ Gent." She leaves behind son, Steven (Nancy) Murphy, of Burley, and grandchildren: Jeremy (Jamie) Murphy of Houston, Josh (Mendi) Murphy, Grady and Saylor of Meridian, and Derek (Mary) Murphy of Burley; daughter, Linda (Ralph) Christensen, and grandchildren: Tony (Lisa) Christensen and Blake, and Lisa (Rob) Huboff and Elsa, all of Coeur d'Alene; son, Michael (Jill) Murphy, of Coeur d'Alene, and grandchildren: Jennifer (Dan) Stone, Jordyn, Jared, Bryce and Brooklyn, of Coeur d'Alene, James (Kathryn) Murphy, Makenna and Brooks, of Salt Lake City, Erin (Mike) Grimmett, Zoe, Sophie, Ellie, and Brodie, and Mollie (Ryan) Wing and Harper, all of Coeur d'Alene.

A private family memorial for both Tom and Nona will be held in the fall of 2014, near one of the camping regions Nona loved so much. Yates Funeral Homes, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Nona's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com