Valerie Susan Murphy, 70, of Portsmouth, passed peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the SOMC Hospice Center. She was born February 8, 1956, in Portsmouth, to the late William and Nancy (Lipker) Lowe.
Valerie was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, an artistic touch, and had a great love of reading. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, and perusing the aisles of JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby to support those hobbies. Valerie never paid full price for anything, and a clearance rack hated to see her coming anywhere she shopped. She loved making bracelets for friends and family, and pillowcases for her grandchildren every Christmas. This was her love language. Valerie leaves behind a large collection of gnomes and owls that her family (A) has no idea what to do with, and (B) promises to cherish.
A 1974 graduate of Minford High School and the Holzer School of Nursing, Valerie fulfilled her dream of becoming a NICU/Nursery nurse, working first at SOMC and later as office manager and nurse in her husband’s pediatric practice until their retirement in 2008. Her lifelong dreams were to be a nurse and a mother, and she was blessed to be both.
On June 23, 1987, Valerie married the love of her life of 39 years, Rick David Murphy, and the couple were blessed with three daughters: Christina (Michael) Benner of Portsmouth, Melissa Miller of Cincinnati, and Andrea (Kevin) Cassidy of Dayton; and three grandchildren, Ethan William Ruggles, Josiah Miller Danzer, and Isabella Jean Cassidy. Also surviving are her brother Doug (Rhonda) Lowe of Utica; sister-in-law Carol (Bobby) Cornett of Portsmouth; one nephew, two nieces, an uncle, and several cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2 pm, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Rev. John Gowdyofficiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 pm until the service hour.
Valerie’s family extends special thanks to Keri Kuhn, CNP, Kim Brown, RN, Hillview’s Rehab and Nursing Care Floors, and the SOMC Hospice Center for their love, support, advocacy, and excellent care. They are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
