Donna (Wirt) Murphy

Donna (Wirt) Murphy, age 91, of Watertown, died Friday, December 8, 2023, at Prairie Lakes Hospital.

Donna W. Murphy, born Donna Joan Wirt, August 4, 1932, to Donald R. Wirt and Marjorie (Sisk) Wirt, entered heaven December 8, 2023. She witnessed history first hand. Despite seeing humanity's failure to live together in peace, she trusted in a time when God would turn the hearts of mankind. Donna was a tireless champion of civil and human rights, and an environmental activist. She supported indigenous peoples' rights and sovereignty and was a crusader for the homeless.  Donna had high expectations for the people she loved and those who tried to meet those standards are the better for it. Donna met her future husband, Sheldon D. Murphy, while both were attending SDSU in Brookings. After graduating from SDSU, Donna, her husband, and their newborn son, Kevin, left South Dakota in 1954 so Sheldon could pursue a PhD from the University of Chicago. Dr. Murphy's career in toxicology led the family to Cincinnati, OH, Medfield, MA, Houston, TX, and Bothell, WA. Sheldon passed away in 1990. She and her son, Kevin Murphy, moved back to South Dakota from Bothell, WA last March. She will be missed by friends and family.

Furness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and have an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com.