Obituary of Ryan Elizabeth Murphy

Ryan Elizabeth Murphy Middlebury, VT - On December 20, 2017, Ryan Elizabeth Murphy passed from her earthly life to the presence of her Heavenly Father and the loving embrace of her daddy's arms. She died of natural causes at her residence in Middlebury, VT, the community where she had lived and worked for the last ten years. Born on March 28, 1971, in Norwalk, CT, Ryan was the daughter of Margaret (Young) Murphy and the late Kenneth C. Murphy. The family resided in Westport, CT, until moving to the Village of Granville, NY, in 1974. Ryan graduated from Granville High School in 1989. She participated in band and excelled as a distance runner on the track and cross country teams. Upon graduation she attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English and continued to run track. While working at United Way in Middlebury, Ryan became program coordinator of Special Olympics for Addison County. She received the Wilton W. Covey, MD, Community Award, "In recognition and appreciation of her commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Addison County community." She developed a strong bond with her athletes and most recently coached their track team. Ryan had many diverse talents, interests and passions that she rejoiced in sharing with friends, family and those with need. She enjoyed literature, music and cooking, as well as designing her balcony gardens and unique Halloween costumes. She loved, cared and felt for "all creatures great and small" with a depth that few can begin to fathom. We will forever feel Ryan's love and always remember her beautiful, smiling green eyes. Ryan was predeceased by her father Kenneth; her grandparents, Jay and Dick Young; her great-grandparents, Irma and George Lang; her young cousin John; her Uncle Joe and extended family members and dear friends. Greeting her at the Rainbow Bridge were her rescue dogs, Tyler and Emily. Ryan is survived by her mother Margaret O'Brien and step-father John O'Brien; her Uncle Ricky; her Aunts JoAnn, Laurie, Donna, Jenifer, Kathleen and Veronica; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; her step-siblings Judy, Beth, Peggy, Michael and their families; and her cherished orange tabbies, George and Olivia. Should you wish to honor Ryan, her family suggests memorial donations in her name to Special Olympics of Vermont, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT 05403, or Homeward Bound (Addison County Humane Society) 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury, VT 05753 A celebration of Ryan's life will be held in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of Robert M King Funeral Home, Granville, NY, www.robertmkingfuneralhome.com