A warm light has dimmed with the passing of Deborah Belt Murphy, of Tulsa, OK., known affectionately as Debbie, on February 9, 2025. Born on November 15, 1946, in Coffeyville, KS, to C. Robert and Jean C. Belt, Debbie was a compassionate, loving, humble, and generous individual who infused her surroundings with joy and love. Her radiant smile and infectious laughter were contagious, captivating the hearts of all who knew her.
Debbie was a woman of many passions. She had an insatiable love for reading, devouring five to six books a week without fail. An avid fan of KU Basketball and coach Bill Self, and the Kansas City Royals, she was an enthusiastic cheerleader from the sidelines. Debbie's love for music was a constant companion throughout her life, with a diverse palate that included Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. Her warm and welcoming nature was further reflected in her lifelong commitment to her group of friends, known as her "Girls," Margie Bess, Sue, Priss, Gail, Ann M, Anne J, & Charlotte. She also shared a lifelong friendship with her "other brother," Steve Strasburger.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Debbie was the heart of her family. Debbie was united in marriage to Robert J. Murphy in 1964. They later divorced. She was a beacon of unwavering love and support for her children, Sean, Megan, and Matt, and her cherished grandchildren, Frances, Will, Henry, Jake, and Claire. She also held a deep faith in Christ, which she expressed through her service to various Episcopal Churches. At Saint Paul’s in Coffeyville, she served as a Lay Minister, Director of Acolytes, served on the Altar Guild and generously donated her time and resources whenever needed. She took a special pride in helping with the youth chapel that was dedicated in honor of her grandfather Robert F. Belt.
Debbie was a member of PEO chapter EZ. Debbie was also a former member of the Coffeyville Public Library Board. Her career at the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, which started in 1977, was marked by dedication and hard work, culminating in her role as the manager of the medical records department, a position she held until her retirement in 2010.
Debbie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and friendship. She is survived by her children, M. Sean (Jocelyn) Murphy of Denver, CO., Megan (Jeffrey) Schwab of Robbinsville, NJ., T. Matthew (Kimberly) Murphy of Tulsa, OK. ; grandchildren, Frances Murphy, Henry Murphy, William Schwab, Jake Schwab, and Claire Murphy; brother, Michael (Barbara) Belt; siblings-in-law, Dennis Binette, Ron (Jon Kay) Murphy, and Connee (David) Shufelt and many nieces, nephews, and their children. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles Robert and Mary Jean (Combs) Belt, and her brother, Timothy (Dennis) Belt.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Coffeyville under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. A reception for family and friends in the Parrish Hall will follow.
Debbie's memory will forever shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Debbie to the memorial page at www.dwbfh.com so we may all remember her generous spirit, compassionate heart, and the love she shared with us all. Memorials may be made in her name to The Coffeyville Public Library.
