Ellen Verena Barnhurst Murphy

Ellen Verena Barnhurst Murphy, 91, of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away on September 9, 2024, after a long and fulfilling life.

Ellen was born on July 2, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edward William Barnhurst and Olivia Chloe Farnes Barnhurst Slaughter. She was the 7th of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, eight of her siblings, a great-grandchild, a son-in-law, and two daughters-in-law. She was the peacemaker of her family and was loved by everyone. She graduated from West High School.

Ellen married Michael Arthur Richard Murphy on September 6, 1952, in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City temple. They were married for 72 years. Ellen was a woman of great devotion and faith. She and her husband went on two missions for the LDS church: The Singapore Mission which included India and Maylasia, and the SLC Temple Square Mission. She held many positions in the auxiliaries of the LDS church. Her greatest love and accomplishment were her love and dedication to her husband and children: Michael Lee (Carolyn, Cynthia) Murphy, Laura Rae (Neal) Nickel, Gordon Patrick (Leslie) Murphy, Sandra Dee (Frank) Helland, and John Richard (Mary) Murphy. They have 25 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren. She was an outstanding example of motherhood and adored by all her family. As her husband Michael says often, “She was the greatest person I had ever known.”

Ellen was an accomplished seamstress. She worked for many years at Pykett’s as a seamstress and trainer. Her family was greatly blessed by her talent. She sewed wedding dresses, suits, school clothes, doll clothes, dolls, and prom dresses to name a few. But what the family holds most dear are the two pairs of pajamas she sewed every year for every grandchild for Christmas. She was also a great cook and was renowned for her pies. Ellen was an avid reader and read to all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved complimenting loved ones and strangers alike. Ellen loved everyone and everyone was her friend. Ellen was a long-time member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and loved all the ladies she worked with.

She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her brother Mike (Carol) Barnhurst, and countless nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and viewing will be held at the Rose Park North Stake: 1155 N 1200 W, Salt Lake City, Utah on Monday, September 16, 2024. The viewing will be from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. The funeral service will be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The interment will be at Memorial Redwood 6500 S Redwood Rd at 2:00 pm.