It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved Opal Vivian Murphy, on February 1, 2025, at UCD Medical Ctr. Opal was born on December 31, 1952, to George F & Violet V Manhart at Colusa Hospital. Sadly, within 13 days her father George passed away. Later, Violet married Swen A. Sorensen, and together raised the six children, followed by the birth of Rose Anne.
Opal attended Williams Schools, graduating from Williams High School in 1971. She attended Yuba College getting her Business Degree in June 1973. Yuba City became her home. She worked at two different businesses in Yuba City/Marysville before she retired.
Growing up she loved living on the farm, horseback & bike riding, playing baseball with all her siblings, family vacations, board games in the winter, longtime 4-H Member (Sewing, Cooking & Sheep-Showing at the fair, summer camps). She became a member of Parkside United Methodist Church in the 60’s. Attended Sunday School, acted in Christmas Plays, church camps, youth groups, and continued thru the years to support her church, in the ways she could. She also loved square dancing. She was always grateful for life on the farm and the knowledge it would give her for later in life, and for being a part of 7 siblings who kept close to one another. Many times, us sisters, would say “Why do you think our 2 older brothers can do no wrong?” We loved them.
She married James P. Murphy of Sutter, CA on November 14, 1982. He came with 2 very special little boys, Audie and Andy, whom Opal adored. They added two more sons, Anthony and Adam, to the family. Opal enjoyed her family-supporting them in school activities, Cub Scouts, FFA, Yuba Sutter Fair, camping, deer & elk hunting, fishing, bbq’s, etc. She loved trips to the ocean, visits to son Adam & Sandi in Great Falls, MT.
Also, family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, graduations, whatever it was-be it at a Murphy Family or the family ranch in Arbuckle. She enjoyed continuing to live in the country, take in a stray cat or dog, loved her chickens, Jim and her vegetable garden and fruit trees and then gave away what they could to others to enjoy. Took in Craft Shows and Cal Expo. She loved spending time with her kids and grandchildren. Enjoyed supporting the Veterans and keeping in touch with Jim’s veteran friends he served with.
Opal is survived by her devoted husband James P. Murphy- Sons Audie (Tonya) of Yankee Hill, Andy (Adalena) of Paradise, Anthony (Erica) of Live Oak, and Adam (Sandi) of Great Falls, MT. Grandchildren Tyler, Tiffany, Malena, Blake, Hallie, and Grayson and four Great Grandchildren. Brother-in-laws Ken (Shelly) of Sutter, Dan (Debbie) of Sutter, Sister-in-law Judy Pretorius of Sutter & numerous Nieces and Nephews, and Great Nieces & Nephews.
Also, Brothers Charles F. Manhart of Arbuckle and John (Marge) Manhart of Williams – Sisters Ruby (Dan) Gobec of Camino, Violet G. Silva of Woodland, Claire L. Froh of Grimes and Rose Anne Sorensen of Arbuckle & numerous Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces & Nephews and cousins in Denmark from Father Swen who Opal was blessed to have visited in DK & who visited us. She is proceeded in death by Fathers George F. Manhart and Swen A. Sorensen, Mom Violet V. Sorensen, Father & Mother-in-law Herbert James & Dorothy Murphy, Brother-in-laws Joe V. Silva, Robert W. Bailey, Robert C. Froh and Ted Pretorius.
We will always and forever remember Opal’s laughter, unwavering love, kindness and caring things she would do for us. No matter how small. She will be in our minds and hearts always. She knew we were there with her, before heaven took over.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Parkside United Methodist Church in Williams, CA on March 11, 2025, at 11 am. In Opal’s memory, if you so choose, donations may be made to Parkside United Methodist Church, PO Box 515, Williams, CA 95987; American Legion Stephen M. Brammer Post 705, 1425 Veterans Memorial Circle, Yuba City, CA 95993, or to a charity of your choice.