Kathleen Hope Murphy, nee Burkey, a former accountant at Granite City Steel, and long-time member of Nameoki United Methodist Church, Granite City, Ill., died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in Phoenix, Ariz., at the age of 92.

Born in Murphysboro, Ill., on Oct. 24, 1922, Kathleen made her home in Granite City, Ill., most of her adult life. She lived in Maricopa, Ariz., for the past 6 years and was active in Journey United Methodist Church, as well as numerous community social groups. Kathleen's spirit, compassion, giving nature, and sense of humor made her a crowd favorite at Bible study where she became fast friends with everyone, particularly the youngest church-goers who frequently asked for "Miss Kathleen."

She was an enthusiastic game player, always rallying her family members to join her at the table where she routinely schooled them in Dominoes, Five Crowns, and almost every other game imaginable. Fun-loving and spirited, Kathleen also had a competitive streak a mile wide, coaxing slower players to pick up their game and laying down the law if too much silliness interfered with the proceedings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Carl Murphy, who died Jan. 1, 1988; and her youngest daughter, Patrice Lynn Murphy, who died June 9, 1996.

Surviving are her oldest daughter, Carol Steinke, of Maricopa, Ariz.; a sister, Lucille Mercer of Bland, Mo.; four grandchildren, Stephen, Scott, Stuart, and Cary; nine great-grandchildren, Kim, Chris, Justin, Kelsey, Adam, Madison, Spencer, Samantha, and Jaclyn; and three great-great-grandchildren, Landon, Leland and Liya.

Her family remembers her as the sweetest, most supportive, and best Mom, Nanny, and Aunt Kaky ever - a spirited, delightful blue-eyed dynamo with a heart as big as Illinois.

Funeral: A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at Nameoki United Methodist Church in Granite City, Ill.