Mary Kay Murphy, age 85 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at High Pointe Residence in Centralia.

Kay was born on August 15, 1940, in Alton, Illinois, the daughter of Ollie and Kathleen (Arrott) Kelso.  She married Joseph E. “Jay” Murphy on September 2, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Alton, Illinois and he preceded her in death on July 1, 2023.

Survivors include her children, Steve Murphy and wife Shelia of Salem, Mike Murphy and wife Joyce of Salem, Lynn Murphy and Mark Kozak of Downers Grove, Illinois, and Jack Murphy and wife Michelle of Texico; grandchildren, Tyler Murphy and wife Jody of Wentzville, Missouri, Sam Murphy of Salem, Jason Murphy and wife Melissa of Boston, Massachusetts, Craig Murphy and wife Brittany of Hermitage, Tennessee, Nick Casey of Nashville, Tennessee, Kyle Casey of Downers Grove, Illinois, Garrett Murphy of Collinsville, Illinois, and Katie Murphy of Texico, Illinois; great grandchildren, Kellan, Keegan, Hudson, Henry, Margot.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Kathleen; her husband, Jay; and her sisters, Jerry and Peggy.

Kay worked for several years as a teller at the Salem National Bank.  She enjoyed quilting and crocheting, playing bridge and other games, and eating ice cream.

She was a faithful member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Salem.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday September 5, 2025, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Salem with Father Jose  officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church and can be left at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.CrouseFH.com.