JOY ANITA MURPHY

JOY ANITA MURPHY

     Joy Anita Murphy, also known as Nana, passed away peacefully in her home Oct. 3, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born June 14, 1943, in Milwaukee, WI. She was the daughter of Frank and Elva (Mundt) Leicht. 

     Joy was a strong and vibrant woman. She taught everyone how to be independent, resilient and kind. Joy had many jobs over the years, working in auto dealerships, the Chicago theater scene, as a hairdresser and dedicating the last of her working years to the Ho-Chunk Nation. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, watching Sunday night football and chatting on the phone with her favorite people. She would give the shirt off her back if you asked, but she was no pushover. She would share endless stories and wisdom from her life, experiences and adventures. She embraced everyone with open arms and unconditional love. She loved being Nana, and to all of us, she was Nana - my Nana, your Nana, our Nana. 

     We lay you to rest with our last goodnight prayer. Goodnight, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite. But if they do, take your shoe, hit them on the head, until they’re black and blue. Love you to the moon and back, Nana.

     She is survived by lots of family, her daughters, Tracy Pfaff (Byron), Leslie Duke (Scott) and Divana Yellowcloud (Josh); and her many grandkids, Justin Pfaff (Adrianne), Xander, Maddox, Eli, Luci, Brianna Paauwe, Mackenzie Faulkner, Jasper, Zach, Jessica Bushman (Jared), Carter, Rowan, Brittany Wailes (Destry), Aubrey, Elijah, Rebecca, Scotlynn Duke, Maddie Pfaff, Ben Pfaff, Thea Rose, Kuno Yellowcloud, Jaxin, Jordan and Kiyah. Joy was very family-oriented and dedicated a huge part of her life to her grandkids and great-grandkids.

     Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elva Leicht, son David J Pfaff Jr, granddaughter Alida Mae Dalton and best friend Nancy Glasser.

     Celebration of life services took place at the American Legion in Black River Falls, WI, Oct. 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. 

     The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family, 715-284-2231.