Judy Kathleen Murphy, 65, of Ottumwa died at 8:43 p.m. July 19, 2026 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
She was born July 9, 1961 in Ottumwa to Lawrence Jess and Joy Belle Tacket Murphy.
A resident of Ottumwa all her life, Judy earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose University.
Having a passion for others, Judy was co-founder of Moms Off Meth and was a beacon of light in the recovery community for nearly 30 years.
She enjoyed reading, watching movies, taking drives with friends and loved spending time with her family.
Surviving are her children, Dustin Murphy (Amanda Prichard), Jessica Murphy (Thaddeus Nolan), Nicole Murphy (Calvin Wilburn) all of Ottumwa; a niece, Jill Valentine, whom she raised, of Ottumwa; a son-in-law, Deontay Pryor of Ottumwa; 14 grandchildren, Jillian, Justice, Joel, Jordan, Jaslyn, Jayla, Davian, Amari, Aria, Calvin Jr., Jamilah, Madison, Draiven, Allivia; a great grandchild, Marcellus; 4 siblings, Dan (Ronnie) Murphy of Colorado, Nancy Murphy of Cedar Rapids, Lisa Murphy and Rachel (Shawn) Miller, both of Blakesburg; her mother, Joy Murphy of Ottumwa.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Murphy; a sister, Joni Murphy; a sister-in-law, Linda Murphy.
Her body has been cremated, and no services are planned at this time.
Memorials may be made to the family.
