Parkston – Frances Edna Murtha, 97, passed away Saturday, April 8 at Avera Bormann Manor with her family at her side. Memorial mass will be Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.
Frances was born December 18, 1925 to Edward and Josephine (Frederick) Murtha at home near Parkston, SD. She graduated from Parkston High School and enlisted in the Navy W.A.V.E.S. during the Korean War. She was Emeritus Assistant Professor of Modern Language at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, where she specialized in French and German Language, spending some summers in France and Germany to hone her skills. A deeply caring person, Fran gave away all but her absolute basic necessities to any person or animal in need. Her 68 nieces and nephews recall this beloved aunt always teaching them – from French songs to crochet to bread-baking to proper grammar to proper table setting. Receiving a letter from Fran was a delight as she was an entertaining and witty writer who made use of every bit of recycled cards and envelopes to convey her sentiments. We will hold close memories of her beautiful smile, her nicknames for us, her kindness, her generosity, her spunk, and her deep love for her family.
Grateful for having shared her life are her 7 siblings: Joan Schoenfelder of Parkston; Ann Taylor of Parkston; Noreen Cyr of Houston, TX; Lois (Michel) Panayi of Austin, TX; Carol Naatz of Pittsburg, PA; John (Anne) Murtha of Dimock; Tim (Timothea) Murtha of Bartlesville, OK.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Josephine Murtha and 4 siblings and spouses Joe (Viola) Murtha, Tom (Doris) Murtha, Marianne (James) Frazier and Bill (Betty) Murtha.
