Murphy, Mary

Mary Murphy, 79, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at her home surrounded by her family. A funeral service celebrating Mary's life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

She is survived by her son, Louis (Brenda) Cavros of Adel; two grandchildren, Eric and Travis Cavros; brothers, Richard (Theresa) Pelzer of Tipton, and Donald (Kathleen) Pelzer of West Liberty; and sister-in-law, Marge Pelzer of Tipton.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Murphy; sisters, Eleanor McLachlan and Loretta Ruess; and brothers, Hubert, Raymond, and Paul Pelzer.

Mary Catherine Pelzer was born May 15, 1933, in rural Johnson County, the daughter of Ralph and Pauline (Knebel) Pelzer. Mary graduated from West Liberty High School in 1951. She enjoyed being MVP of All Star Basketball and went on to play at AIC. Mary traveled all over the country with the various basketball teams. She married William Murphy on Sept. 18, 1976, in Cedar Rapids. He preceded her in death in 2003. She loved playing cards, gambling, and was an avid sports fan. Her greatest enjoyment was time spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Mary was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Mary Murphy's Family on our website under obituaries.

Published Jan. 30, 2013 in The Gazette