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Samantha “Samie” Genevieve Murphy passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Samie was born in Fort Dodge, on Oct. 28, 1948, the daughter of Corinne (Carr) and Gordon Johnston. She spent her formative years in Storm Lake, where she graduated from St. Mary’s School, going on to get a nursing degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha, Neb., and a master’s degree from St. Francis University.
It was during nursing school when she met her devoted husband of 52 years, James “Jim” Murphy. Jim and his “Sam” moved to Des Moines in 1974, and soon after had their two babies, Jeff then Jamie. Samie adored her husband, kids and four siblings above all else; that is, until her grandson, Arthur “Artie” was born. Artie was a shining light for Samie during her long and courageous battle with cancer.
Samie was selfless, supportive and kind, attributes that served her patients and staff well during a decades-long career as a registered nurse. Before her retirement, Samie was the director of Children’s Behavioral Health Services at Iowa Lutheran/ UnityPoint, her employer of 30+ years. Outside her professional, personal and other accomplishments, Samie was an avid reader, fantastic cook and a fun travel companion. Family vacations spent camping and hiking in state and national parks were among her greatest memories.
Samie is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband Jim Murphy of West Des Moines; son Jeff (Julie) Murphy of West Des Moines; daughter Jamie (Eric) West of Des Moines; grandson Artie West; siblings: Susi (Larry) Brotherson of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Danny (Cindy) Johnston of Marble Falls, Texas; John (Cyndi) Johnston of Olathe, Kan.; Mary (Dave) McKay of Urbandale; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends who mourn their loss and will cherish her memory.
The family will gather at a later time to celebrate a beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to John Stoddard Cancer Center or EveryStep Hospice in appreciation of Samie’s care.
