Barbara Joan Murphy

Barbara Joan Murphy, age 88, passed away peacefully at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle on Sunday, April 15. Barbara was born on January 25, 1930 in Montpelier, OH to the late Joshua Floyd Bright and Hulda Audrey (Rumple) Bright.

Barbara spent most of her adult life as a resident of Nappanee, IN. On August 21, 1948, Barbara was united in marriage to James Mellinger, who preceded her in death in 1968. Together, Barbara and James raised a son, Kent A. Mellinger. On September 11, 1987, Barbara married William Host Murphy, who preceded her in death in 2001. Barbara was a beloved homemaker and a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Barbara is survived by her son, Kent A. Mellinger of Clermont, FL; stepson Dr. Thomas Murphy of Cleveland, OH; stepdaughters Molly Kehr of Phoenix, AZ and Catlin Bell of Elkhart, IN; sister Nancy (Devon) Odgen of Wabash, IN; two grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Barbara is preceded in death by sisters Marjorie Nichols, Clover Drage and Helen Quicksall and brothers John Bright, Donovan Bright and Jack Bright.

Services for Barbara will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Friends may call on the family for visitation for two hours prior to service at the funeral home. Pastor David Schrader will officiate. Online condolences may be left for the family of Barbara Murphy at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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