Betty Murdock
April 13, 1926 ~ May 24, 2020
Born in: Sigel, Pennsylvania
Betty Jane Murdock, 94, passed away in her home, Sunday, May 24, 2020 in Howland Township, Ohio. She was born April 13, 1926, in Sigel, Pa., the daughter of Perle Andrew McNeil and Donna (Royer) McNeil. She was a graduate of Sigel High School and was employed for two years in the office of United Natural Gas Company at Crawford Station in Sigel. She was married to Paul Ripley Murdock on October 5, 1946, at the Presbyterian manse in Brookville, Pa., and they resided in Marienville, Pa., where she was employed for five years in the payroll office of Knox Glass Company. The couple later moved to Franklin, Pa., where she was employed by First National Bank as a teller and loan officer. Betty and Paul were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, Pa., where she served as Deacon, choir member, and Sunday school teacher. Betty and Paul were married for almost seventy years. Paul passed away on Feb. 8, 2016. Survivors include her daughter Deborah J. Ries and son-in-law James R. Ries of Warren, Ohio; grandchildren Matthew M. Ries married to Gina M. (Abruzzino) Ries of Niles, Ohio; Sarah M. (Ries) Palchak married to Daniel R. Palchak of Cambridge, Ma; and great grandchildren Aria T. Ries, Anthony V. Ries, and Ethan M. Palchak; her sister Edith McCanna of Marienville, Pa; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Lou (McNeil) Mazzola married to Richard Mazzola (surviving) of Hopewell, N.J.; her brother-in-law William McCanna; and her aunt and uncle Evelyn and Delbert McNeil, who were good friends. Betty loved to golf and ride bikes with her husband and family. Arrangements were made by Gardinier Funeral Home in Franklin, PA. In light of the covid-19 situation a private family service will be held at Mount Tabor Cemetery in Sigel, Pa. For those not attending, we ask that you keep Betty's family in your thoughts and prayers.In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN; the First Presbyterian Church, 1250 Elk Street, Franklin, Pa.; or MVI Hospice 4891 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505. To send flowers, online condolences or cards, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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Debbie, I remember the week your parents took you, Elaine and me camping at Robert Treeman Park in New York’s FingerLakes. I can still see your mother in the kitchen, wearing a navy blue culotte-dress she had bought for our first day on the road. The blue Chevy convertible. The patience your parents must have had, to take three teenage. girls on a weeklong road trip!. Wonderful memories of your mother and father during those years, and their positive influence on all of us.
Fond memories of Betty and Paul. Their kindness lives on in Debbie, Jim, Matt, Sarah and also Aria and Anthony. We will always remember Betty with a smile. And Betty, if you need a TV hung, just call Rick . ????
I have fond memories of Paul and Betty, good friends and fellow church members and golfers with my parents, Ruth and Wayne Heasley. Sincere sympathy to Debbie and her family. Sue Heasley OHara-Jones
Betty was such an endearing lady, always gracious & welcoming, she will be missed so much – sending love & hugs to her family. . . Joan & Dick Ries
Betty and Paul were our neighbors growing up and I have fond memories of their home and times shared and playing with Debbie. My condolences to Debbie and her family. Rest In Peace, Betty.
Mrs. Murdock was a beautiful person in every way. As a child growing up in Franklin I looked forward to walking to the First National Bank with my Mum and asking her if we could see Mrs. Murdock–I thought she was the prettiest woman in the bank! That was 60 years ago and she will always be the prettiest woman in the bank to me. I want to send my sympathy to Debbie,James,her family and friends. Of course Paul was madly in love with her and it was always evident by the way he spoke of her the times I interacted with him. Betty and Paul were wonderful parents providing a Christian Home and Values. I got to know Mr. and Mrs. Murdock as Debbie and I took piano lessons together from the Sister of Mercy, and I tell you the truth, Debbie was a terrific pianist. We performed many spring concerts together which brought so much joy to her family. It was wonderful people like Mrs. Murdock because she always encouraged me as a kid to continue my musical studies, more so she always asked me about my mother’s journey caring for my dad knowing my father was a disabled WWII veteran. One more memory is when Debbie asked me to a Sadie Hawkins Dance and Mrs. Murdock drove us to the dance and she and my mother coordinated for Debbie and I to wear matching Madras clothes!! In closing, I always think of the Murdock’s every time I drive by the old “Homestead” on Pittsburgh Road ,my thoughts will turn to the “Prettiest Woman in the First National Bank” …I pray for peace and comfort during these difficult times, and knowing Mrs. Murdock was a devout Christian, I celebrate her “Promotion” from this life to the next. Denny Geib
Aunt Betty had the purest, sweetest smile. She was full of style and grace. I loved when she and Gran got together and had some laughs. An admirable lady, whom I was fortunate to have in the village that raised me. She is forever dear to my heart and will be greatly missed.
Dear Debbie and Family, I was so shocked to see that your mom had passed. She was such a joy to be with. I have many memories of the “Card Club” vacays to New Jersey shore and the fun we all had together. Your mom and dad were at my wedding, and my parents’ passing. They both were such a peaceful presence. My peace goes with you. Stephane (Sue Stephens) Van