Rose M. Murphy-Kephart, 63, of Lemont, died May 15, 2009, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College.
She was born July 27, 1945, in Tijuana, Mexico, a daughter of Jose Guzman, with whom she resided in southern CA before moving to State College in 1973, and the late Rafeala Lupercio Guzman.
She was formerly married November 27, 1965, to Edward J. Murphy who survives. On April 16, 1993, she married Howard A. Kephart who survives.
Rose graduated from Long Beach Polytehnic High School in 1964. She worked as a home health aide in the early 1980's and as an interpreter at Hershey Medical Center in 1983. She also worked as a substitute Para-professional for the State College Area School District in the 80's. Rose was a stay at home mom and enjoyed her grandchildren, listening to music, dancing, traveling and antique shopping.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters; Sunshine Murphy Jenkins and her husband David of State College; Christy Wolfe and her fianc Howard Hay of Harrisburg; one son Joshua E. Murphy of State College; three granddaughters; Sierra A. and Rachel A. Wolfe and Kira A. Jenkins; two brothers; Ruben L Guzman of Prescott, AZ and Mark Anthony Guzman and his wife Mary of Santa Ana, CA, a number of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Friends will be received Tuesday, May 19, 2009, from noon until 2:00 PM at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, A blessing service will follow immediately at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Centre County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Rose's memory may be made to Centre County Memorial Park, 1032 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801