Obituary - Joyce Belle Lyons Benfell-Murphy

Joyce Belle Lyons Benfell-Murphy, 86, passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2012.

She was preceded in death by her second husband, Douglas E. Murphy; and brothers Daniel Lyons, Raymond Lyons, Clem Lyons and George Lyons. She is survived by three daughters and one son; two grandchildren; and first husband.

She was born in Linden, Idaho, May 6, 1925. She grew up on a ranch in northern Idaho during the Big Band era, where she became an amateur singer on the radio. As a U.S. Navy wife, she settled her family many times on the west and east coasts of North America, including Ottawa, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Her enjoyment of new places and people led to her successful commitment to jobs in sales from the Northeast to Clines Corners, N.M. She was a past queen and supreme goodwill ambassador of the Daughters of the Nile, a commercial hot air balloon pilot and a gourmet cook.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ballut Abyad Shrine, 6600 Zuni S.E., Albuquerque, N.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Shriners Children's Hospital, Ballut Abyad Shrine, 6600 Zuni S.E., Albuquerque, N.M. 87108. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Joyce's care has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services of Rio Rancho, N.M.

Lewiston Tribune, February 16, 2012, p. 7C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock

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