It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother Colleen Murphy who joined her heavenly father on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was surrounded by family while she peacefully passed at Box Butte General Hospital.
She was born on February 14, 1930 in Rushville, NE to Martin and Theresa (Lynch) Heesacker. She graduated from Rushville High School in 1947 and began teaching school. While a teacher, she met the love of her life Bill Murphy and they were married on June 1, 1954. They were blessed with two children Matt and John.
Colleen became afflicted with polio at an early age which is when she took up tap dancing as therapy. It then became a lifelong passion which she carried into her 80's.
She spent many years in the banking industry where she developed countless lifelong friendships. She loved to volunteer at St. Agnes Academy, Carnegie Art Center, BBGH and others. She loved sewing, making clothes for herself, family and the many, many dolls that she collected. She was an accomplished cook and baker, always trying to find a recipe for that perfect chocolate pie. She was well known for her delicious carrot cake.
Colleen spent her whole life as a faithful servant of God. Her faith was most important to her. As an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, she managed the annual Valentine Bake sale for 17 years.
She loved being a greeter where she always had a big smile for everyone. She would always make herself available when called upon by the church. She touched so many lives during her time here on Earth.
She is survived by her sons, Matt (June) Murphy of Shady Shores, TX and John (Sue) Murphy of Arnaudville LA, her grandchildren Chelsey (Steven) Carter, Brandon (Veronica) Murphy, Katie Murphy and Morgan Murphy, her great grandchildren Diesel Carter and Caillen Stark, her sister Florence Oswald of Carroll lA, and her special friend Larry Holub of Alliance.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings, Bernard, Rita, Mark, Norbert and Mary Ellen.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 18 at 10:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. A Rosary service will be held Monday, November 17 at 7:00PM at Holy Rosary Church. Visitation will be from 1-4PM Monday at Bates-Gould Funeral Home and continue at the wake service.
Memorials may be given to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.