Jane McMurphy

Winfred "Jane" McMurphy was born on October 26, 1940, in Alva, Oklahoma, to C.H. and Myrtle (Chambers) Nieman. She passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 85.

Jane was raised on the family farm west of Alva alongside her three older brothers. As the youngest and only girl, she quickly learned to be competitive, determined, and strong-willed, traits that stayed with her throughout her life. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse, attended Alva Public Schools, and graduated from Alva High School with the Class of 1958.

On March 28, 1959, she was married to Ed McMurphy at Cedar Grove Methodist Church. Together, they were blessed with four children: Monty Allen, Ann Marie, Mari Lou, and Tina "Kathleen." The family lived in Alva until 1968, when they moved to Woodward. They remained in and around Woodward until 1983, when they settled in Sharon, Oklahoma. In 2022, Jane moved to Cheyenne to be closer to the people who meant the most to her: her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jane gave her life to Jesus and was baptized at South Persimmon Baptist Church. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She attended Cheyenne Baptist Church and especially looked forward to attending her ladies' Bible study, where she treasured both the friendships and the opportunity to grow in her faith.

Throughout her life, Jane wore many hats. She managed apartments, worked as a seamstress at Star Model, and spent many years serving at Youth and Family Services, where she left a lasting impression on countless young people in the Woodward community.

Jane never met a stranger and loved making memories with the people she loved. She especially enjoyed traveling and made it a tradition to take her grandchildren on annual vacations. One of her favorite destinations was Tennessee, where she loved spending time with extended family.

A gifted quilter and talented seamstress, Jane found joy in creating beautiful handmade treasures. She also loved gathering family and friends around the table for a game of Pitch, Spades, or whatever new card or board game she had recently discovered. Thanks to growing up with three brothers, Jane's competitive spirit never faded. Whether she was bowling, playing softball, or trying to win a friendly game, she was always in it to have fun and, if possible, to win.

More than anything, Jane loved being "Granny." She rarely missed a ballgame or any activity involving her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. Cheering them on, making memories, and simply being present brought her the greatest happiness.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, C.H. and Myrtle Nieman; husband, Ed McMurphy; daughter, Kathleen Smith, and infant daughter Ann Marie McMurphy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Yvonne Nieman and Dennis and LaVona Nieman; and infant twin siblings, Lela Jean and Billy Dean Nieman.

Jane is survived by her son, Monty McMurphy and wife, Melisa, of Arnett, OK; daughter, Mari Lou Lawrence of Sayre, OK; son-in-law, Darrell Smith of Fargo, OK; grandchildren, Chris Lawrence and wife, Cherie, of Red Oak, OK, Jon Lawrence and wife, Lindsey, of Elk City, OK, Martyn McMurphy and wife, Elizabeth, of Guymon, OK, Melia Wheeler and husband, Kelly, of Arnett, OK, Megan Reese and husband, Kiel, of New Freedom, PA, and Ashlee Reynolds and husband, Justin, of Elk City, OK; 10 great-grandchildren, Kaylen, Kip, Allie, Andi, Wesley, Ruger, Hannah, Annie, Becca, and Wade; brother, Clifford Nieman and wife, Lauresta, of Guthrie, OK; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Western Plains Youth Shelter or the Cheyenne First Baptist Church
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859