Vickie Murphy

Vickie Lynn Peterson Murphy
March 20, 1947 – October 14, 2026

Our sweet wife, mom, Abby, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on October 14, 2026 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Vickie was born in Provo, Utah, on March 20, 1947, to Leonard Peterson and Hazel Farley Peterson. She grew up in Orem near her Farley Family Orchards where she loved picking fruit, riding the horses and working alongside her siblings and cousins. She loved and honored her parents dearly and cherished her childhood.

She was voted Miss Friendly in junior high and again in high school, a title that suited her for life. She was head cheerleader and Homecoming Queen, always cheering everyone on around her with that same sweet spirit. Her warm smile and kind heart made all feel welcome and like they were her best friend.

While she was a senior in high school, her missionary boyfriend at the time told her she could date anyone but Mike Murphy. A few years later she was sealed for time and all eternity to Michael Ansell Murphy in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 27, 1966. Vickie and Michael were married 60 wonderful years.They shared many adventures together covering the globe. Their most challenging adventure would be the battle with Alzheimer’s. Michael served Vickie tirelessly and selflessly, making it his mission to care for her with compassion and patience. We love you Pappy!

Michael and Vickie built their forever home in Marrcrest in 1976 and she loved being surrounded by her flowers and the pond; nothing made her happier than gathering with friends and family on her patio to enjoy it all together.

Vickie dedicated her life to her family and raising her children. She led the charge of the “Marrcrest Moms,” caring for and providing the best childhood to her five children and the rest of the neighborhood.
Vickie was a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She gave her whole heart to every calling she held. She served as Young Women President, Relief Society President, and countless other callings in her ward and stake. She magnified each of those callings as well as every act of ministering and service. She led with genuine Christlike love and everyone felt that from her.

In 2007 she and Michael served as CES missionaries in Geneva, Switzerland. She loved and was adored by all the missionaries. She was everyone’s mom away from home. Her love and service was a true testament of her faith and she always strived to emulate the Savior's perfect love.

Vickie excelled at everything she did. She loved snow and water skiing, was a phenomenal golfer, as well as speed walker; cruising up and down the bike path each morning. She was the life of the party and the master party planner. Because of her fun and loving spirit, she helped to create a culture of inclusion, laughter and tradition in her family and community. Everyone felt her love through her generosity and talent of gift giving…a home cooked meal, a yummy treat, a Minky blanket, one of her famous pecan logs at Christmas time, a crisp hundred dollar bill, or a beautifully wrapped gift. You may not have always remembered what she gave you, but you will always remember how she made you feel. Loved.

Her greatest joy was her eternal sweetheart Michael and their family. She is survived by her husband, Michael Ansell Murphy; their children, Stacy (Steve) Nadauld; Warner (Jennifer) Murphy; Rhett (Angie) Murphy; Megan (Dustin) Cochran; and Lindsay (Jess) Knapp. Her proudest title of all was Abby, to her 34 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear sister Julie (Art) Allred.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Hazel Farley Peterson; her brother, Jan Peterson; and her sisters, Karen Stevens and Cheryl Dittman.

We give special thanks to the Riverside Ward and her lifelong Marrcrest Community of friends.

We love you Abby. You gave us your whole heart and we will carry it with us always.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October 17, 2026 at 3511 North 180 East Provo, Utah at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held Friday October 16, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday October 17, 2026 from 9:30-10:45 am at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Abby’s memory by performing an act of kindness or service for someone in need, just as she so lovingly did throughout her life.