Connie Murphy

In a lovely red brick house, on a fertile farm in the little town of Syracuse, Utah, lived a handsome farmer, his beautiful wife, born a city girl, and their three small sons. The year was 1935. The topic of conversation was the anticipation of the next prospective little farm boy. The truth however, was they were hoping for a little girl to help clean up after the 3 busy boys. Their wish was granted, when on the 30th of May, an adorable baby girl was born to George Henry and Norma Ellery Bennett in the Thomas Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. Rumor has it, there was much joy and happiness associated with this event.

Connie Bennett Murphy, our beloved wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on March 12, 2022, at the magnificent age of 86 of ovarian cancer. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving and adoring family.

Connie grew up on an active farm, in Syracuse, Utah. She attended Syracuse Elementary and North Davis Jr. High in Clearfield. She had fond memories of growing up on the farm, always doing her chores, consisting of scrubbing the kitchen floor, as well as the stairs going down to the basement (always very dirty, from the boys tracking in from the barnyard). She also cleaned the boy’s rooms and made their beds. She loved her 6 brothers and little sister so much. Her family worked as a team to keep things running on the homestead.

Connie attended Davis High School, her dad drove the school bus and she loved riding along with him. In 1951, Connie met the love of her life, Richard “MURPH’ Murphy. The first time he saw her she was standing on her head! In 1952, they thought it would be a good idea to elope and drive to Elko to get married, fortunately, her parents found out and had the police stop them. While waiting for her parents to pick them up, they put 17 year old Connie in jail, and Rich met up with some Boy Scouts and went to a movie. After the failed elopement they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 26, 1953. Making the day even more eventful, on the way to the temple Rich handed Connie his draft papers!!! During their army years they met many wonderful friends, including Bob and Joyce Graham whom they still have a special relationship.

Four children followed; Lynn, Jill, Shaun and Lee Ann. Connie found her greatest joy with her family, providing many dinners, BBQ’s, parties and many wonderful traditions. These traditions will carry on with her cherished legacy. Connie leaves behind her children, 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She had a special way of making every one feel like they were her favorite and never missed a birthday.

A life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Connie held various callings, and was a dedicated leader in many organizations. She loved going to church and attending the temple and reading and listening to the scriptures with Rich. Connie is always serving others, and has many cherished friends.

Connie is a master candy maker; she can bake anything, was the ultimate hostess and decorator, while never forgetting a single detail.

Rich and Connie have an inspiring relationship. Rich faithfully stayed by her side until she took her last breath; theirs is a love story that will last through all eternity! Rich and Connie spent 69 amazing years together, still in love and always holding hands.

Connie is preceded in death by her parents, George and Norma Bennett, who were there to welcome her home along with her brothers, Val, Scott, Wendell and Floyd. She is survived by her eternal sweetheart Richard T. Murphy, her children Lynn (Blair) Asay, Jill (Rick) Steed, Shaun (Christi) Murphy, Lee Ann (Bob) Mitchell, 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Her sister Dorothy (Glen) Bouy, brothers Jay, Ellery (LeAnn) and many special nieces and nephews.

A very special thanks to Christine and Maria from Suncrest Hospice for being our angels on earth.

We would also like to thank the many ward members, neighbors, friends and family who showered her with visits, love, flowers, cards and support. Connie felt like she was enjoying her own funeral, she was overwhelmed with the kindness and love of so many. She enjoyed every single visit!

A viewing will be held March 16 at the Salt Lake Olympus Stake Center on 2675 E. 4439 S. Holladay, Utah from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A viewing will be held Thursday from 11:00-11:30 a.m. at the same location. Funeral will follow at 12:00 p.m.

Interment will take place at the Mountain View Cemetery 3115 E. 7800 S. Cottonwood Heights immediately following the service.