Margaret Alice Karsner Murphy

Remembering Margaret Alice Karsner Murphy

For 101 years she lived in the same house on Point of Rock Road in Monterey; but on July 10, 2020, the Lord called Margaret Alice Karsner Murphy to His Heavenly home.

Margaret Alice, named for her two grandmothers, was born December 29, 1918, to James and Mattie Agnes Smith Karsner of Monterey.

Orphaned at age six, Margaret Alice and her brother Kenneth were cared for by relatives; and from that time forward Margaret's most precious memories included those of her dearest friend and cousin, Lela Maude Karsner Hawkins. Inseparable, Margaret and Lela Maude grew in love for each other, for their family and most importantly of all in their love for the Lord.

Margaret graduated from the Kentucky Female Orphan School in Midway and married Lindsey Carr Murphy on September 25, 1937. She was preceded in death by her husband Lindsay Murphy, her brother Kenneth, her cousins Lela Maude and Harry Clark Karsner and various relatives. She is survived by her son, James Karsner Murphy, three granddaughters, Chastity, Melinda and Lindsey, and three great-grandsons.

Margaret dedicated her life to her church, young people, gospel music, history, and genealogy. She was Owen County Baptist Associaton's Library President for five years; and as a faithful member of the Monterey Baptist Church, she served as the leader of the Girl's Auxiliary, music leader of a vocal church youth group and was the church pianist for more than 45 years.

Committed to the preservation of our history and traditions, Margaret also established a historical museum in the Monterey Church.

Margaret's other accomplishments included authoring 17 books on local history and genealogy and a book on the Kentucky Female Orphan School in Midway. She contributed 14 articles to the Northern Kentucky Encyclopedia and published articles in numerous other historic journals.

Margaret was a charter member of the Owen County Historical Society and was instrumental in raising funds for many of the historic state highway markers in the county. She was presented with "Rosie The Riveter" award by the Kentucky DAR in which she was a member for many years; and in 2008 the National DAR awarded Margaret the National Historic Preservation Medal. She also was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, and in 2010 was named Owen Countian of The Year.

Margaret's unwavering faith in God sustained her throughout her life. She once wrote," God never did promise us security from the storms of life, but He did promise us security during the storm."

Though Margaret Alice has departed from this world, memories of her soft laughter, her gift of incredible historic facts, her indomitable spirit and her steadfast faith leave us an enduring legacy; and the generations to come will surely remember that Margaret Alice Karsner Murphy passed this way, and by doing so, she created an indelible imprint upon the future.

McDonald & New Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and the funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. This will be a pass-thru visitation, social distancing and masks are required. Brother Everett Hawkins will be officiating.

Burial is in the Monterey Cemetery and gifts in Margaret Alice Murphy's memory can be made to the Monterey Cemetery Fund, c/o Bryan New, 242 W. Seminary St., Owenton, KY 40359. Donations can also be made to the Owen County Historical Society, 206 North Main St., Owenton, KY 40359.