Mary Murphy

Mary E. Murphy, 70, of Van Wert, died at 5:25 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2012, at Kobacker House Hospice in Columbus. She was born March 30, 1942, in Roda, Va., the daughter of Avalon (Grindstaff) Back, who survives in Mandale, and the late Delmon Back. On July 30, 1983, she married Alan P. Murphy, who preceded her in death on February 20, 1994. Survivors include two children, Donald Clifford Sharp of Lima and Brenda (Mike) Hall of Defiance; two brothers, Roger (Linda) Back of Grover Hill and Fred (Nancy) Back of Granville; a brother-in-law, Joseph Majors of Toledo; two sisters, Delores (Dennis) Smith of Wapakoneta and Lorraine (James) Bremer of Columbus; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A son, Rocky Sharp; and one sister, Louise Majors, also preceded her in death. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 18, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Gary Bragg officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert. Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Monday, December 17, at the funeral home. Preferred memorials: American Cancer Society or Kobacker House Hospice.