Obituary of Arvilla Murphy

    Arvilla Murphy, 94 of Sterling, passed away on Friday April 21, 2023 at Rock River Hospice Home, Sterling

    Born on July 20, 1928 to Edward and Millie (Lutyens) Bess, Arvilla started life in Tampico but moved to rural Rock Falls after several years where Arvilla attended the Excelsior School. Arvilla’s family did farming and she spoke often about taking ginger flavored water to her father as he worked the fields in an area where the current Rock Falls airport is located. Arvilla graduated from RFHS with the 1947 class. 

   On November 8, 1947 Arvilla married Robert Murphy. Between the time Arvilla spent working at G.E., they enjoyed many years tending to their garden, wintering in Florida and traveling to Germany and Scotland.

   Arvilla is survived by her daughter, Pat (Tom) Laverghetta of Auburn, IN; one son, Louie (Patty) Murphy of Sterling; granddaughter, Cindy (Michael) Maurer of Garrett, IN; grandson, Andrew (Helen) Laverghetta of Fort Wayne, IN; granddaughter-in-law, Kathy Havener of Fort Wayne, IN; step-grandchildren, Tom Laverghetta of VA and Renee Laverghetta of Muncie, IN; great-grandchildren, Christian and Nathan Havener, Alexandria Farrell and Charlie Laverghetta; great-great-grandchildren, Kinsington Havener and Elijah Havener; special friends, Donna Dodson, Nancy Manon and Donna Kuehl and many nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; brother, Dean Bess and grandson, Todd Havener.

  Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Sterling First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Dennis Owens, officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM, prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.

   Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.

   A memorial has been established to Sterling First Church of the Nazarene and Rock River Hospice Home.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.