Ruth Murphy

Ruth Frances Gilmore Murphy was joyfully welcomed into the arms of Jesus surrounded by her children on December 11, 2025. She was 85 years old.

Born on September 12, 1940, in Paterson, NJ, Ruth was the beloved daughter of the late Robert Aloysius Gilmore and Maria Naomi Rutt Gilmore. She grew up in Paterson and graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in 1958. 

After graduating, Ruth started her career with New Jersey Bell (NJB) as a Service Representative.

In 1961, Ruth married Robert P. Murphy of Fair Lawn, NJ and together they had three children: Robert, Christine, and Heather. They moved to Wayne, NJ to raise their children, after which she returned to NJB, continued her career, and eventually retired from her position as an IT Systems Analyst.

Ruth was quick-witted and had an infectious laugh that filled a room. She was a super competitive scrabble opponent, loved crime fiction novels, and was passionate about ballroom dancing.  But more than anything, she loved her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In her final years, Ruth lived at Mira Vie Assisted Living in Montville, NJ. She was part of a loving and supportive community where she had many friends with whom she enjoyed exploring her faith while attending weekly Bible study.

Her presence, love, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted children, Robert Peter Murphy Jr. of Pittstown, NJ, Christine Ann Murphy of Warwick, NY, and Heather Maria (Murphy) Bonner (m. Jack Bonner) of Montville, NJ.

Her laughter, and overflowing affection will be missed by her grandchildren: Stephanie (Murphy) Shepard (m. Michael Shepard), Alexandra (Holmes) Rosario (m. Clint Rosario), Timothy Holmes, Taylor (Wright) Campbell (m. Philip Campbell), and Victoria Holmes; and her five cherished great-grandchildren: Jayden Shepard, Karter Shepard, Zander Shepard, Sol Rosario, Rory Campbell, and of course, her favorite grand-dog, Mia.

She is survived by her sisters, Pamela (Gilmore) Dolan (m. James Dolan) and Anne Gilmore, and several nieces and nephews who love her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert A. Gilmore Jr., Paul Gilmore, and by her sisters, Rosemary Gilmore, Claire (Gilmore) Burger (m. Robert Burger), and her parents.