Debra Sue Murphy

Debra Sue (Clark) Murphy, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2026. She was born in Bethesda, Maryland, on July 6, 1953, and she was raised in Blaine, MN and graduated from Coon Rapids Highschool as valedictorian of her class in 1971. In April of 1972, Debra met Robert Murphy and after one year of dating the two were married on April 28, 1973, and they created a life of love and happiness that would span over 53 years.

Debra worked for the Coon Rapids Highschool Athletic Director through her final two years of high school and continued until she graduated from the Minnesota School of Business. She spent most of her career as a legal secretary and when her children were young, she ran a home daycare and taught ceramics. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and found joy in painting, gardening, reading and discovering antique home furnishings. She was known for her kindness, generosity and was always willing to lend a hand and offer her support.

Debra was survived by her husband, Robert Murphy, her 4 children, Steven Murphy, Melissa (Bryan) Kieffer, Heather (Joe) Lethert, Matthew (Melissa) Murphy; her nine grandchildren, Aiden and Addison Murphy, Gracyn and Gavin Kieffer, Isabelle, Elliot and Estelle Lethert, Madelyn and Landon Murphy; her mother, Susan Clark; her brothers, Aaron Clark and Vernon (Imogene) Clark; her sisters, Cynthia (Doug) Swanson and Kimberly (Greg) Schimdt; brother-in-law Larry (Bonnie) Murphy and sisters-in-law Karen Krotzer and Cheryl (Bruce) Krotzer. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Steven Clark; her mother-in-law Irma Murphy and father-in-law Fay Murphy; and her brother-in-law Tommy Murphy, and her brother-in-law Steve Krotzer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.