Donna Mae Murphy

Donna Mae Murphy, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family on 22 of September, 2026, at OSF in Peru, IL.

A visitation will be held for Donna on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:30 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottawa, Illinois. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Donna was born on December 9, 1937, in Dixon, Illinois, to Harold "Pat" and Mary Ellen (Needham) Fisher. Donna was married to Melvin J. "Murf" Murphy on May 17, 1958. They shared 47 years of marriage until he passed in 2005. Their love remained an important part of Donna's life, and she missed him dearly throughout the years that followed.

Family was at the heart of Donna's life. She especially enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, going out to eat, and gathering during the holidays to play games, laugh, and work on her flower garden. She also had a special love for cardinals, a small but meaningful part of who she was, and one her family will always remember.

She is survived by her four daughters: Kimberli (Leonard) Both, Kayla Pierce, Konnie Murphy, and Kelley (Brad) Johnson. She was a beloved grandmother to Jennifer (Jim) Jobst, Justin (Brittney) Both, Jessica (Tony) Bochniak, Sydney (Kenzie) Fuchs-Johnson, and Sam Johnson. She was a cherished great-grandmother to Finley, Kallyn, and Breckyn Jobst; Ryker and Connor Bochniak; Emma and Claire Both. Also surviving are her sisters Jean Woodward, Carole Thomas, and Connie (Jerry) Eick.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents, "Pat" and Mary Ellen; and her two brothers, Ronald "Ronnie" and Richard "Dick".

Her family can find comfort knowing that after so many years of missing Melvin, Donna is no longer separated from the man she loved so dearly.

Donna will be deeply missed and forever loved.