Diann (Kieviet) Murphy, 56, went to her heavenly home on Nov. 1, 2005 after a two-year battle with kidney cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends at her home in Dugualla Bay near Oak Harbor when she entered into the loving arms of God.
Diann was born in Bellingham in 1949 and at the age of two moved to Whidbey Island with her family. She attended Oak Harbor Christian School through eighth grade, going on to graduate in 1967 from Oak Harbor High School. She attended Multnomah School of the Bible and later earned a secretarial degree from Skagit Valley College. Just prior to becoming ill, she had earned certification as a nurses assistant (CNA) through Skagit Valley College in the hope of being able to help others. She held several jobs in her lifetime, including working at the Island County Credit Bureau and later the Oak Harbor Yacht Club, however her primary occupation was as a loving wife and mother.
In July of 1971, she married Dennis Murphy of Dubuque, Iowa and in 1973 moved to Bremerton. From 1974 they lived in Belfair before moving back to the Oak Harbor area in 1980.
Diann loved children and was blessed to have five of her own. Her life was surrounded by youth who she loved to teach about Jesus. Her home and heart was always open to others who needed a place to go. She might be remembered in Belfair for hosting popcorn and movie nights for her children and all of the neighbor children. She had a heart for the youth and was a mother to any child that needed one. She was involved with Goodnews Clubs, teaching Sunday School, Word of Life, Vacation Bible School, Awana, and always watching out for the well-being of others. She was a member of San de Fuca Chapel and Summit Park Bible Church.
Diann is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughters, Shannon and husband William Huff of Emmett, Idaho, and Rebekah of Oak Harbor; sons Jason and wife Christall of Oak Harbor, Nathan and wife Kellee of Boise, Idaho, and Jonathan and wife Ashlee of Oak Harbor; granddaughters, Grace Anne Murphy and Ashlyn Faith Huff; parents, Peter and Joyce Kieviet; and brothers Dale Kieviet and Douglas Kieviet and wife Shirley.
A memorial service will be held at Summit Park Bible Church near Anacortes on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to either: Samaritan’s Purse; 801 Bamboo Road; PO Box 3000; Boone, NC 28607 (www.samaritanspurse.org / 1 -800-353-5949) or Kidney Cancer Association; 1234 Sherman Ave; Suite 203; Evanston, Illinois 60202 (www.curekidneycancer.org / 1-800-850-9132).
