Linda Sue Murphy

Linda Sue (Herdt) Murphy, 78, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Russell, Kansas.

Sue was born October 21, 1947, in Great Bend, Kansas, the middle daughter born to Herman and Leveta (Andrews) Herdt. She attended elementary school in Hoisington, Kansas and Liberal, Kansas, where she completed her junior year. The family moved to Plainville, Kansas for her senior year and she graduated with the Class of 1965.

Sue married Ron McKown in December 1965 and was blessed with a daughter, Megan. They later divorced. On April 22, 1977, Sue married Donald Murphy Jr. at Cupid’s Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ceremony was a double ceremony with Sue’s grandmother Jane Andrews and Carl Cantwell. This is something that Sue and Donnie were very proud of and loved sharing all the stories associated with it.

Sue worked in the Accounting Department of USD 407 and then the City of Russell for over ten years. From there, she worked at King Of The Road for 20 years, Followed by nine years at White Energy before retiring in 2013. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, VFW #6240 Auxiliary, American Legion #99 Auxiliary and the Russell Ladies Golf. She enjoyed showing horses with Megan, bowling, tennis, golf, and playing slot machines at the casino.

Donnie preceded Sue in death on January 5, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents Herman and Leveta, her sister, Jane Thompson, and nephew Ryan Pederson. Sue is survived by her sister, Jaymme (Ron) Pederson of Sarasota, Florida; daughter Megan (Stacy) Tolle of Sedgwick, Kansas; granddaughter Casey Blevins; great-granddaughter Sadie Grace; great-grandson Atreus Warren of Wichita, Kansas; nephews Sean (Sonia) Saylor; Shane (Shea) Saylor; Tyler (Miso) Pederson; sister-in-law Tenna Rae (Dennis) Bangert; nieces Whitney Saville; Mandi (Troy) Clifton.

Cremation has been selected by the family. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday October 7, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with family greeting guests before the service. Burial of the ashes will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. A memorial has been established with the Russell VFW Auxiliary Post #6240. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple, Russell, KS 67665, who is in charge of the funeral arrangements.