Katherine Elizabeth Murtha, aged 10 months, passed away peacefully in her mother’s arms on April 11, 2014 after a heroic struggle against a congenital heart defect.  Born on June 3, 2013, Katie touched many lives during her time on Earth.  She was always surrounded by the love of her parents, family, pastor, fellow parishioners, caregivers, and friends.  Her courage, strength, and determination will forever inspire those who knew her.  She will be greatly missed. 

 Katie is the daughter of Indianapolis residents John (“Jack”) and Krista (Davies) Murtha, formerly of Connellsville, PA and Brush, CO, respectively.   Katie’s little sister, expected this September, survives her.  In addition to a loving and supporting extended family, she is also survived by her grandparents, Sylvia Murtha of Connellsville, PA, Regis Murtha of Jacksonville, FL, and David and Mary Davies of Brush, CO .  In her all-too-brief life, Katie enjoyed playing with her stuffed animals, watching her mobile, visiting with friends and family, and listening to the Beach Boys.  She was an accomplished hand holder. 

 The family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent Women’s Hospital and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital for a year of extraordinary care.  Katie’s nurses, too numerous to name, are the unsung heroes in her story.  The family also expresses their appreciation for the innumerable prayers, cards, gifts, and support from family, friends, and strangers alike.

 Visitation hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematorium, formerly the Harry Moore Funeral Home on 86^th Street and Allisonville Road.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 14.  Internment will occur at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Connellsville, PA.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions toward a memorial for Katie at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.