Sherry L. Murphy, 82

Sherry L. Murphy, 82, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at home June 24, 2025. Sherry was born in 1943 in Valentine, NE to Arlo and Zina (Osburn) Turner. She spent her early years on a farm in the Sparks area, east of Valentine, and attended school there until 1957, when her family moved into town so she could attend high school where she was a graduate of the class of 1961. It was there that she met Jim Murphy. High school sweethearts, they married in 1962.

Following their wedding, Sherry and Jim moved to Lincoln, where Jim was enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Sherry attended Lincoln School of Commerce. During their time in Lincoln, their two oldest sons were born.

After Jim’s graduation, the family relocated to Hemet, CA, where their two younger children were born. Sherry and Jim spent 37 years in Hemet raising their family and making life-long, treasured friends. It was also there that Sherry became “Mimi” when grandchildren began to arrive. This was a role she embraced with great joy.

Sherry held a variety of meaningful roles throughout her life. From 1970 to 1975, she worked as a secretary in the office of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. She then worked for Hemet Unified School District from 1975 to 1979, serving in the district health office and traveling to many schools.

From 1979 to 1988, she ran a home daycare, primarily caring for the children of local teachers. She welcomed many little ones who became very special not only to her, but to the entire family. They continued to watch them grow up long after leaving daycare and some to this day. Later, Sherry worked at Morning Sky School in Mountain Center, CA —a residential school for boys—until 1998. Before retiring, she returned to Hemet Unified as a substitute secretary throughout the district.

In 2003, after Jim retired, Sherry and Jim moved back to Nebraska, where three of their four children were then living and settled in Lincoln. They have been active members of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church for 22 years, where Sherry volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul for several years. Sherry enjoyed cheering on Husker sports, but especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren in their many sports endeavors when she was able. In addition to enjoying being near family again, Sherry and Jim also reconnected with many school friends from Valentine.

For nearly two decades they gathered with this group: in the spring in the Black Hills of South Dakota, in the summer for Alumni Weekend in Valentine, and in the fall at Sherry and Jim’s home in Lincoln for a Husker football weekend. This was a cherished group of friends also loved by Sherry and Jim’s kids and grandkids. Sherry was a talented and artistic woman who enjoyed crafting and sewing. For several years, she hosted a holiday boutique, and to this day, people share fond memories of the handmade items Sherry created that became part of their homes.

She was an avid fan of Doris Day and classic musicals. Known for her beautiful singing voice, Sherry was well-regarded in Valentine for her musical talents and sang at many weddings during her years in Hemet.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ricky Turner; grandson, Carter Murphy; and many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws who held a special place in her heart.

Sherry is survived by her beloved husband, Jim; sons Tim Murphy of Kearney, NE, Todd (Tak) Murphy of Laguna Niguel, CA, Sean (Kristin) Murphy of Lincoln, NE; daughter Shelley Murphy of Idaho Falls, ID. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Taylor (Andrew) Cannon of Byron, MN, Liam Murphy of Kearney, NE, Payton (Trevor) Alpert of Lenexa, KS, and Makenna, Leyton, and Jaxon Murphy of Lincoln, NE. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Jack and Eleanor Cannon, and Thomas Alpert.

A rosary was held Tuesday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Butherus, Maser, and Love Funeral Home. Funeral services took place Wednesday, July 2, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Josephs’s Catholic Church in Lincoln.

Sherry’s life was one of love, devotion, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed, but her warm spirit, the kindness she shared, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Condolences: www.bmlfh.com