Eleanor Y. (Winder) Murphy, 89 of Natoma, Kansas died Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Eleanor was born January 2, 1923 on the family farm in Victor Township of Osborne County, the daughter of Daniel and Myrtle (Hughes) Winder.  She grew up in the county where her parents farmed.  Eleanor grew up with two sisters, Elva and Laura and three brothers, Paul, Clyde and Carl.  After the death of her parents, Laura became more of a mother than sister to Eleanor.  This relationship formed a special bond that lasted until Laura’s death in 2011.

Eleanor spent all of her life around the Covert and Natoma area.  She attended grade school in the Victor Country School.  She worked at the grocery store in Waldo before she was married.  She was united in marriage to Ralph Murphy on January 22, 1943 in Russell, Kansas. She was a member of the Victor Brethren Church in Victor Township.

Eleanor loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She would make her famous noodles, pies and homemade bread for them.  This made any meal special, but especially at Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays.

Eleanor is survived by three sons, Lonnie Murphy (Carolyn) of Hays, Kansas, Ronnie Murphy (Mary) of Natoma, Kansas and Mark Murphy of Hays, Kansas; daughter, Connie McNeal (Charles) of Paradise, Kansas; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph, three brothers, two sisters and daughter-in-law Judy Murphy.

Celebration of Eleanor’s Life will be held at the Natoma United Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 10, 2012.  Burial will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery.  There will be no viewing or visitation.  A memorial has been established to Solomon Valley A.R.C. Special Olympics.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.