Kathy Murphy, 76, of West Burlington, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born March 15, 1948, in Burlington, she was the daughter of William Frank and Lucille Stadtlander Stout. On Nov. 9, 1969, she married Michael A. Murphy in Burlington and they later divorced.
Kathy began working at Cook's Store and Niesner's Store. She then took a position at the Salter School Library. She also worked at Great River AEA and Kirlin's in Westland Mall in addition to working at the Burlington Public Library for over 30 years.
She was a member of Community of Christ Church and a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. Kathy was the leader and service unit director for Troops #42 and #192. She served on the West Burlington School PTO and was a room mother. She was well-known for reading to families at Miracle on Jefferson Street, and doing story times at numerous preschools and daycares, where she was affectionately known as "Miss Kathy". She loved attending her grandkids activities and was a die-hard Cubs fan.
Survivors include her daughter, Heather (Damon) Baier and their children, Olivia and Dylan of Sioux City; daughter, Heidi (Chad) Stangl and their children, Eric, Kyle and Ethan of Council Bluffs; brother, Larry (Vicki) Stout of Burlington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, William "Bill" Stout and former husband, Michael Murphy.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 12 t0 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The memorial service for Miss Kathy will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Evangelist Jerry Wiemann officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service. Burial will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for the Burlington Public Library.