Janice LaVaunne Murphy
passed away peacefully on
October 27, 2024, while under
Hospice care at Avista Senior
Living. Born April 23, 1937, in
Yakima, WA, to her parents
Raymond and LaVaunne Adams.
They eventually settled in Spokane and moved into a house across
from the pond in Manito Park. Jan enjoyed many years at the park
either ice skating, sledding, or enjoying Manito’s outdoor beauty.
Jan met her lifelong friend, Marti White, in the sixth grade, and both
attended Lewis & Clark H.S. and were college roommates at WSC (Now
WSU) and remained best friends through the years.
Jan met the love her life (Ray Murphy) at a barn dance and were
married shortly after. Their dance lasted for 57 years before his
passing in 2018. Jan wrote in a Poem to Ray.
“The first time I met you, I knew I would love you the Rest of my
Life.”
“The last time I kissed you, I knew I would miss you the Rest of my
Life.”
They raised two children, Steve and Jolene, enjoying family
vacations and especially their sporting events, both playing tennis for
Shadle or Steve playing hockey, and Jolene figure skating at the Eagles
Ice Arena.
Jan enjoyed cooking and her favorite hobby was sewing, making
handmade gifts for family and friends as well as many other crafts.
She worked at Fabricland in Spokane which was a natural fit with her
sewing talents.
They moved to Pasco and enjoyed their years of retirement traveling
and occasionally gambling at the Casinos. Their grandchildren, Justin
and Cameron, were the highlight of their life. Dad always had the Go-
Carts ready to ride and the tent set up to watch the boat races!
Mom was blessed to see her one and only great-granddaughter
born…Harper, who is now 15 months old.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Raymond and LaVaunne
Adams; husband, Ray Murphy; and brother, Millard (Sandy) Adams.
Jan is survived by her son, Steve (Sherry); daughter, Jolene.
grandsons, Justin (Gabrielle) and Cameron (Yvette); and greatgranddaughter,
Harper.
Special thanks to the Nelson family who lived next door to Mom and
Dad in Pasco and their love and friendship through the years. Thanks
to the staff at Avista Senior Living for the loving care they gave mom,
especially for the last three months. You’re in God’s hands now. Rest in
Peace, we love and miss you.
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