Beverly Murphy Obituary

Beverly Mae Jahr Murphy
Born: July 5, 1931
Died: July 6, 2025
Beverly Mae Jahr Murphy, 94, of Sycamore, IL, a beloved figure in her community, passed away on July 6th, 2025, surrounded by family members in her home.
Beverly was born on July 5th, 1931, in St. Paul, MN, to parents Esther and Clifford Jahr. Growing up in Skokie, IL, she was a majorette at Senn High School in Chicago where she met her high school sweetheart, Ronald Walters Murphy (deceased). For higher education, she first attended Beloit College, became a sister of Delta Gamma Fraternity, and later transferred to Northwestern University. Beverly and Ronald married on July 11, 1951, and together they had four wonderful children: Lynda Susan Murphy Knott (deceased), Jeanne Murphy Malnati (Marc) of Kenilworth, IL, Kathleen Murphy Deveny (Chris) of Glencoe, IL, and R. Daniel Murphy of Indianapolis, IN.
Beverly and Ronald raised their children in a red brick house on Somonauk Street in Sycamore, IL, a home cherished by loved ones and Beverly herself. For 62 years, Beverly opened her doors to children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends, who were always greeted with a warm hug and a spirited bark from her many beloved dogs. In the fall, she adorned her home with pumpkins and witches, inviting guests to enjoy Sycamore's Pumpkin Fest parade with front row seats on the lawn and a warm bowl of homemade chili. During winter, Santa Clauses, red buffalo check, and cardinals decorated her house, which welcomed Christmas coffees and celebrations. As spring arrived, Beverly lovingly tended to red geraniums, and she spent the summer months enjoying the thriving flower beds in her backyard.
Even in her later years, Beverly stayed engaged with the world around her. She was a lifelong learner, immersing herself in books and newspapers, keeping up with the latest Cubs, Bears, tennis Grand Slam, and Indy 500 standings, and enjoying meaningful conversation over card games. Her love of travel led her to many countries around the world, and she and Ronald shared a special fondness for San Juan, Puerto Rico. She valued her relationships, meeting friends for coffee and bridge clubs multiple times per week and always giving the first call to relatives on their birthdays. Beverly's dedication to her community was evident in her volunteer work at various organizations in Sycamore and Dekalb, including the Kishwaukee Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, Oak Crest Retirement Center, and the Country Store Thrift Shop.
Beverly leaves behind a legacy filled with love, tradition, and wisdom. Her spirit will continue in the lives of her family, friends, and the Sycamore community. She'll be fondly remembered whenever we see a cardinal or red buffalo check, and when we reflect on the wisdom she gifted us through signature sayings and straight-shooter remarks. All who had the joy of knowing her will miss her dearly.
Beverly is survived by 11 grandchildren: Jack Knott of Atlanta, GA, Shelby Knott of Chicago, IL, Kelsey Malnati Howell of Kenilworth, IL, William Malnati (Alissa) of Brooklyn, NY, Melissa Molitor (Tom) of Wilmette, IL, Colin Deveny (fiancée Julianna Dewald) of Cleveland, OH, Kamryn Deveny of New York, NY, Kelley Deveny of Chicago, IL, Mackinnon Murphy of Indianapolis, IN, Braden Murphy of Indianapolis, IN, and Daxton Murphy of Indianapolis, IN, in addition to 7 great grandchildren: Lucy Howell, Max Howell, Clara Howell, Addison Molitor, Miles Molitor, Eloise Molitor, and Remy Malnati.
A ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 218 Somonauk St, Sycamore, IL 60178 to honor and celebrate Beverly's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sycamore Public Library, a treasured place that Beverly frequented. Checks can be made out to: Sycamore Public Library and mailed to
103 E State St, Sycamore, IL 60178.
To sign the online guest book go to http://www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com
Arrangements by Butala Funeral Home, Sycamore, IL.