Long time Indianapolis resident, Frances M. Murphy, 96, slipped away peacefully into God’s hands on September 23, 2017. A life well lived …in service to others.

Frances was born April 15, 1921, in Rushville Indiana, to the late Chauncey and Aileen (Wilson) Duncan and was raised in Rushville, Indiana.

Frances received her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University; where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Frances was the oldest living member of Delta Chapter until her passing. While at Indiana University she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa during her senior year. She was the Editor of the Indiana University Arbutus in 1942 and wrote extensively for the student newspaper.  She married the love of her life, M. Porter Murphy, in 1947 who she met at Indiana University. They were married 54 years. She was a true business person and entrepreneur and successfully managed the family’s men’s clothing store Frank Wilson Clothier in Rushville Indiana for many years until her retirement in 1992.

After the death of her husband, Frances relocated to Marquette Manor in Indianapolis where she was active in various organizations including the Junior League of Indianapolis, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Tri-Kappa. She was an avid bridge player and sponsored various “Salvation Army Red Kettle” programs.  She was also responsible for providing all the hats and gloves for needy children in the Indianapolis during the annual “Coats for Kids” program co-sponsored by the Salvation Army and WTHR.  Her family continues to participate annually in this venture in her honor.

Frances is survived by her two sons, David P. (Jayne) Murphy of Greenfield Indiana and William F. (Elizabeth) Murphy of Indianapolis.  She was blessed with many grandchildren that included Sarah (Adam) Hunt, of Greenfield Indiana, Anne (Greg) Cunningham of Indianapolis, Joshua (Connie) Murphy of Louisville Kentucky, Jennifer (Kurt) Hunter of St Louis., and Dr. Patrick (Jennifer) Murphy of Shiprock New Mexico.  She also has enjoyed immensely her Great Grandchildren that include Samuel Hunt, Isabelle Hunt, Porter Murphy, Grant Cunningham, Tyler Cunningham, Mathew Cunningham, Ethan Hunter, Mason Hunter, Connor Murphy, and Bridget Murphy

Friends may call to greet the family on Friday, September 29, at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250 from 5:30 pm until 8:30 p.m. The funeral for Frances will be held on Saturday, September 30, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86^th Street, Indianapolis Indiana, with calling from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Interment will immediately follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made directly to Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Porter and Frances were avid longtime ‘bell ringer” volunteers for the Salvation Army and this was near to their heart.  Donations can be made online at http://salvationarmyindiana.org/red-kettle-campaign  or sent directly to  the Salvation Army Indiana Divisional Headquarters  at 3100 N. Meridian St , Indianapolis, Indiana  (800) 589-1037 For more information contact  salvationarmyindiana.org. Memorial contributions may also be made to the Indiana University Alumni Association online at https://www.myiu.org/one-time-gift?appealid=0c6bbf69-f071-4964-a8ca-1a9a4f87c903&account=I580011400  or to the St Luke’s UMC Food Pantry.