Obituary for Ila Murphy
Ila Cantelon Murphy made her entrance into this world at Rainy River, Ontario, Canada on February 11, 1923. Her parents were Todd and Rena Cantelon. Ila passed from this life on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Springfield, MO. She had resided at Maranatha Village, the Assemblies of God retirement community in Springfield, since April of 2007. Until that time, Ila had made her home in Pocatello, Idaho.
Ila is survived by one brother, Garth (Lucille) Cantelon; a son, Robert (Delena) Murphy; a daughter, LaJuana Brann; 3 grandsons, Tyler, Taylor, Brandon, and 1 granddaughter, Jeri; 1 niece, Gayle and 1 nephew, Gordon. Her husband, Rev. Bill Murphy, preceded her in death 9 years ago.
Music and ministry were Ila’s passion. Born into a clan of ministers, she got an early start in that direction for her life. Ila learned to play the piano at age 4, and good enough to begin using her talents in church at such an early age. Both her parents and brother Garth were talented musicians who used those gifts in radio ministry in the early years of dad Cantelon’s pastoral assignments.
In 1946, Ila met the love of her life, Bill Murphy. Ila was traveling in evangelistic ministry with her family. Bill was working in evangelism as a team partner with Paul Cantelon. Both attended a Bible camp in Manitoba that summer of ’46; the sparks flew, and love blossomed. They were married January 1st of 1947, in Tampa, Fla.
The years that followed saw two children join the team, and the Murphy Family became road warriors for the Lord. Intertwined within those years of evangelism, Bill and Ila pastored 6 Assemblies of God churches, including what is now “River of Life Church” in Pocatello from 1981 to 1989. Many lives were impacted by their seasons of ministry, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support at their departures from this life.
A celebration of Ila’s life was held Friday, Oct. 19, at Maranatha Village Chapel, under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home. Rev. David Flower, along with Maranatha Chaplains Darrel Paddock and Steve Anoa’I, participated in the service. The Maranatha orchestra provided music along with members of the Murphy family. Ila herself participated, via a video that was recorded just 10 weeks before at a Maranatha concert. It can be viewed at this Internet address: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgkleYO4D0
This amazing wife, mom and grandmother will be greatly missed! Our loss is only Heaven’s gain.
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