Ethel M. Murphy, age 90 of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance, Ohio. She was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1935 to Alpheous and Margaret (Baird) Tate. On December 31, 1952 she married Thomas Murphy who preceded her in death on June 10, 2007. Ethel worked for several years at Zeller Corp. in Defiance. She was an active member of Defiance Elks Lodge #147. She enjoyed gardening and loved cats. Ethel is survived by her daughter, Bridget Murphy of Defiance, her nieces and nephews, John (Karen) Grim of Defiance, Rita Grim of Sherwood, PJ (Brenda) Murphy of Orange, TX, Martha (Paul) Punches and Greg (Linda) Murphy, all of Defiance, and Sherrie (Todd) Gleason of Uniontown, PA, and her cousins, Betty Kinny of Elida, OH, Jan (Randy) Fruth of Defiance, Ken (Pat) Weaver of Galesburg, IL, Bill Weaver of Stoystown, PA, Karen (Ken) Howell of Auburn Twp, OH, and her good friend Ruth Murphy of Peoria, IL.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Murphy, nephews Francis Grim and Rodger (Arlene) Murphy, and her cousin Steve Kinny. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Ethel will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to Ft. Defiance Humane Society or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.