Obituary of Lila Jean Murphy

Lila Jean Murphy, 99, a lifetime Iowa City area resident, died January 9, 2026, at Legacy Assisted Living in Iowa City.  She was born January 19, 1926, to Charles & Lila (Wagner) Beckman in Iowa City, Iowa, and attended local schools, graduating from Iowa City High School in 1944 and from the University of Iowa in 1948.  Lila Jean married John C. Murphy on September 26, 1948, and lived and worked on the Murphy Century Farm for over 50 years in Johnson County.  She was active in local rural affairs and the Farm Bureau, a 4-H leader, a member of the First United Methodist Church, and resided in recent years at Legacy Independent Living.

Lila Jean is survived by her 5 children: Ellen (Galyn) Smith, Greeley, CO; Sara Murphy (William Blackburn), Long Grove, IL; Anne Murphy (John Myers), St. Paul, MN; Rebecca (Dr. Stephen) Vorheis, Bonita Springs, FL; and Thomas (Cynthia) Murphy, Franklin, WI.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, and siblings: Lois Thede, Majorie Yetter, and Dr. Charles Beckman.

Private family services will be held at a later date with burial in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City.  Memorials in Lila Jean’s name may be made to Iowa City Hospice, Iowa Public TV, the Salvation Army, or the charity of your choice.