Mary Ethel Murphy

Mary Ethel Murphy December 19, 1945 – March 21, 2026

Mary Ethel Murphy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on a beautiful first day of spring on March 21, 2026. She was born on December 19, 1945, to Florence K. Anderson and John A. Olson.

Mary spent most of her life in the Treasure Valley, residing in Meridian, Idaho. She graduated from Meridian High School in 1964 and went on to build a life centered around family, hard work, and kindness. Over the years, she worked in the printing industry, including owning a print shop, she was a supervisor with Sodexo. She also worked at many local events and venues including the Ford Center, BSU, and the Bank of America Center.

On March 25, 2015, Mary married the love of her life, Dennis Murphy, at the Idaho City Courthouse. Together they shared a joyful life filled with music, dancing, and companionship. Mary especially loved dancing while her husband sang, cherishing those moments deeply.

Mary had a passion for quilting, traveling, and spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed outings with her “Wrinkled Sisters,” exercising with Margaret, and visiting regularly with her close friends. She formed lifelong friendships, including her dear friend Kay Paulson, whom she had known since grade school.

A woman of faith, Mary was raised a Christian and lived her life with compassion, forgiveness, and grace. She touched many lives through her kindness and unwavering love for others.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Murphy; her sister Margaret Hill; brother and sister -in-law, Dale and Sandy Olson, children & spouses, including Bill and Tracy Tidwell of Boise, Corey and Angelique Tidwell of Eagle, Brenda and Tom Fisher of Middleton, stepson and wife, Ray and Sharon Marks of Meridian, as well as numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Florence Olson, and her older sisters, Jeanie Mills of Emmett and Joanne Bernasconi of Boise.

Mary will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date in Clear Creek, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Message to my wife-

Thank you for all the days of our sixteen years together. Your greatest strength was your ability to accept everyone, including me without any judgement. But, best of all, you loved unconditionally, as a little girl. It was as though you were “Daddy’s Little Girl” and I reveled in it. You loved to sit on “Santa’s knee” and listen to “Santa” sing you songs. You loved, probably my best attribute, my voice. You applauded my “You Are My Sunshine” laying in your hospital death bed. You were and are the most kind, caring, and loving wife I could have been blessed with. Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me.” I know you are with our Savior.

Thank you.

Dennis

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Arrangements under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City. 208-853-3131