Dorothy A. Murphy

Dorothy A. Murphy, 96, passed away peacefully at her residence, The Pines of Dayton Place in Denver, Colorado, on February 10, 2026. She was born on January 17, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Howard L. Drought and Nina O. Drought. At the age of 14, while still in Wisconsin, she was confirmed into the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Shortly thereafter, her family relocated to Haxtun, Colorado, to be near her grandmother. Dorothy graduated from Haxtun High School and later moved to Denver, where she attended and graduated from Denver Business College.

On November 16, 1952, Dorothy was united in marriage to Billy E. Murphy in Haxtun, Colorado. Together they built a life filled with devotion, hard work, and love. From this union came three children: Pamela Ayn, Noreen Gail, and Patrick Neal.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 190 Potomac St., Aurora, Colorado 80011. The service will be officiated by her grandson, Shawn D. Ohlms, Associate Pastor of Northroad Community Church in Moscow Mills, Missouri. A reception will follow.

An escorted interment procession will depart Newcomer Funeral Home at approximately 12:45 p.m. for Fort Logan National Cemetery, where a joint ceremony for both Dorothy A. and her beloved husband, Billy E., will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Dorothy lived a full and joyful life. She was happiest when she was bowling—participating in leagues, state tournaments, and even national competitions. She also enjoyed playing softball, visiting casinos, watching movies, and indulging in her favorite treat: Hershey Bars. During Billy’s active military service, Dorothy was a dedicated member of the NCO Wives Club, forming lifelong friendships and supporting military families with grace and enthusiasm.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Billy; her parents, Howard and Nina; and her stepfather, Wallace S. Lambert.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Pamela and her husband Michael; Noreen and her husband Steven; and Patrick and his wife Carrie. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends.

Dorothy will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her competitive spirit, and the deep love she held for her family. Her legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know her.