Linda Sue Elliott Murphy, 74
December 16, 1951 – August 25, 2026
Linda Sue Elliott Murphy, age 74, entered into her Eternal Rest on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at New Albany Health and Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with dementia over the last several years.
At her request, Mrs. Linda will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later time. Her family is grateful for the love, prayers, and kindness shown to them during this difficult season.
Born December 16, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Linda was the daughter of the late R.B. and Lieselotte Bohrmann Elliott. As the daughter of a military family, Mrs. Linda spent much of her younger life traveling and living in different places around the world. She received her education in Wiesbaden, Germany, a place that would forever remain close to her heart.
It was while living in Germany that Mrs. Linda met her beloved husband, Mr. Terry Murphy, who was also serving in the military. The two were married on April 21, 1970, beginning a life together filled with love, family, adventure, and plenty of miles traveled. Together, they raised their three children and moved numerous times throughout Mr. Terry’s military career, embracing each new place and the experiences that came along with it.
No matter where life carried them, Mrs. Linda had a gift for making each place feel a little more like home. A talented baker and cake decorator, she became known for creating beautiful and delicious cakes everywhere they lived. What began as a skill she enjoyed became another way for her to share her creativity and bring happiness to others.
Following Mr. Terry’s retirement in 1992, the couple returned to his home state of Mississippi and settled in Baldwyn, near the area where he was born and raised. There, Mrs. Linda continued to enjoy the things that made her happiest. She loved to dance and even owned a ballroom dance company in Tupelo. She was also a gifted artist who enjoyed painting, including a beautiful mural she created at First Baptist Church in Baldwyn.
Perhaps fitting for someone whose life had taken her to so many places, Mrs. Linda never lost her love for traveling. Of all the destinations she visited, Germany remained especially dear to her. She treasured returning to her mother’s birthplace and revisiting the country where she had spent so many meaningful years and where her own love story with Mr. Terry had begun.
Mrs. Linda also had an especially tender heart for animals. There always seemed to be room for one more, particularly if it was a stray in need of a meal, a little care, or simply a place to belong. She fed the hungry ones, cared for the poorly ones, and opened her door and her heart to just about any cat or dog that needed her. Her compassion for animals was simply another reflection of the caring spirit she carried throughout her life.
Although dementia changed much about the last few years of Mrs. Linda’s earthly journey, it could never erase the life she lived, the memories she created, or the love she shared with those around her. Today, her family finds comfort in their faith and in knowing that the struggles of this life are behind her. They find peace in knowing Mrs. Linda is whole again, reunited with loved ones gone before her, and resting eternally in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
In addition to her beloved husband, Mr. Terry, memories of Mrs. Linda will continue to be cherished by her two daughters, Linda Murphy and Pamela Murphy (Russell Girmus); one son, Billy Murphy; one sister, Paula Elliott; five grandchildren, Kiara Rai Murphy, Blake Colton Schmer, Katie Atnip, Tayler Davis, and Brian Potter (Autumn); five great-grandchildren, Liam Floyd Cupp, Erik Potter, Cash Potter, Harley Underwood, and Alice Atnip; and her niece, Armanda Elliott, along with a host of extended family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Linda was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Elliott, and one nephew, Steven Paul Elliott.
In honor of Mrs. Linda’s lifelong love and compassion for animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Jericho Rescued Fur Babies. Donations may be made through their online giving page listed in the link below.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Linda’s family
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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