Delia Jean Mattingly Murphy

Delia Jean Mattingly Murphy, 94, of Daviess County, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Heartford House under the compassionate care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky.

Born on August 30, 1930, in Daviess County, Jean was the daughter of the late William and Lillian Ballard Mattingly. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1948 and soon began her working life at General Electric.

On November 24, 1951, Jean married the love of her life, Charles “Murray” Murphy, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and community. Over the years, they welcomed 12 wonderful children into their home, creating a place of warmth, generosity, and welcome for all.

Jean and Murray were pillars of the Saint Joseph community and faithful members of St. Alphonsus Parish. Jean’s Catholic faith guided every aspect of her life. She served her parish as a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD, volunteered in 4-H, and was honored with the Sophia Award for her devotion and service. She also worked as a nursing assistant at the Mount Saint Joseph Infirmary, was an Ursuline Associate, and was known for driving the sisters to their appointments, often stopping for ice cream along the way. In addition, she volunteered at Owensboro Hospital, always giving freely of her time and care.

Jean had a deep love for gardening, nurturing both flowers and vegetables with a true green thumb. She canned the bounty from her garden as well as whatever her husband brought home, making sure nothing went to waste.

If you lived in Saint Joseph or anywhere in western Daviess County, there is a good chance Jean fed you. Known for her ability to prepare a full country meal in under thirty minutes, she delighted in cooking Sunday breakfasts for her family and always lived by her motto: “There’s always room for one more at our table.” She welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm plate, finding joy in gathering people together.

Above all, Jean cherished her family. She raised her children with the same faith and strong sense of community that defined her own life, passing these values down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her legacy is one of love, hospitality, faith, and service, a life lived generously and well. Jean often said that she was not sure if she prayed enough, but she believed her life itself was a prayer.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Charles Murray Murphy; two sons, David Murphy and Billy Murphy; brothers, William A. Mattingly II, Louis Mattingly, Bobby Mattingly, and Joseph Herman Mattingly; and sisters, Joyce Blandford and Doris Schadler.

Jean is survived by 10 of her children, Jim (Janet) Murphy, Paul (Mitzi) Murphy, Leo (Daphne) Murphy, Richard L. “Rick” (Gayle) Murphy, Martha Warren, Dennis Murphy, Maggie (Scott) Yeckering, Johnny (Marilou) Murphy, Gary (Angie) Murphy, and Jeanie (Bo) Jones; also her daughters-in-law, Lee Ann Murphy and Kathy Murphy; and sister-in-law Ann Mattingly.

Also to carry on her legacy, 40 grandchildren, Jennifer (Sean) Byrne, Julie Ferguson, Jamie (Nicole) Murphy, Jerrod (Tricia) Murphy, Jacob (Shelby) Murphy, Michelle (Danny) Smith, Amy Boyd, Nicole (Chris Millay) Kays, Meghan (Jacob) Roberts, Zachary (Blake) Murphy, Michael Murphy, Misty (Jonathan) Cook, Matthew (Michele) Murphy, Jeremy (Jama) Murphy, Robin (Sam) Kenley, Justin (Ashley) Murphy, Leslie (Jason Clouse) Dunn, Lauren Brown, Catie (Justin) Bailey, Claire (Aaron) Woosley, Rachel Warren, Emily (Brandon) Carter, Bradley Gower, Kaleb Murphy, Jeffrey (Jenna) Yeckering, Allison (Lucas) Murray, Sarah (Dillion Stoner) Yeckering, Austin Yeckering, Mary Grace Murphy, John Robert (Savannah) Murphy, Joseph Murphy, David Murphy, Katelyn (Nick) Hawkinson, Christian (Meaghan) Murphy, Madlyn (Ross) Hyland, William Murphy, Molly Murphy, Myles Murphy, James Michael Jones, and Murray Jones; 64 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and kindness Jean received over the years. They wish to thank the staff of Hermitage Care for their attentive and compassionate care during the past two years, Dr. David Johnson for his dedication and support, and the team at the Heartford House for the comfort and peace they provided in her final days.

The Funeral Mass for Jean will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with Father Jerry Riney officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the church, with burial to follow in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Cemetery. Jean will be carried to her final resting place by nine of her nineteen granddaughters: Jennifer Byrne, Michelle Smith, Misty Cook, Robin Kenley, Lauren Brown, Allison Murray, Mary Grace Murphy, Madlyn Hyland, and Molly Murphy.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the St. Alphonsus Building Fund or Mount Saint Joseph Ursuline Sisters.

Memories and condolences for the family of Jean Murphy may be left at www.glenncares.com.