Janet R. Murphy, age 82, of Abilene, Texas, formerly of the Carman, Illinois area, passed away at 9:45 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2025 in Abilene. She was born September 26, 1942 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Glen Howard and Doris Ruth (Dobson) Bernhart. She was married to Billie J. Murphy on December 28, 1962. They later divorced.
Janet was a lifelong resident of the Carman area. She had worked at the Lomax Canning Factory, Mercy Hospital, Sylvania Corporation, Lomax Fast Break, Caseys in West Burlington, and Antennacraft in Burlington. She also owned and operated BJ’s Club in Gulfport, Illinois and Town & Country Tavern in LaHarpe, Illinois. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge of Good Hope, Illinois.
Survivors include one son, Zachary (Christi) Murphy of Abilene, TX, two daughters, Cindy (Bob) Doyal of Aledo, IL, Tammy (Rick) Bundy of Oquawka, IL, seven grandchildren, Aimee Tisor, Jackie Hennenfent, Angela Williamson, Elizabeth Bundy, Matthew Bundy, Connor Murphy, and Leeam Murphy, five great grandchildren, Collin Hennenfent, Kaylynn Hennenfent, Taylor Rounceville, Eva Rounceville, and James Louck, one great great grandchild, Cole Hennenfent, (and one on the way), one brother, Terry (Sharon) Bernhart, and three sisters, Sonda Blanco, Lavonna Henderson, and Judy (Jerry) Huntington, all of Burlington, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Fred Radestock, one daughter, Kimmy Lee Davis, one grandson, Zachary “Roo” Bundy, and three brothers, Gene and James Bernhart and Bill Bandy.
The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, with Pastor Karen Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Carman Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Banks & Beals. A memorial fund has been established for the Rebekah Lodge of Good Hope, Illinois. Please visit Janet’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
