Rholand Duncan Murphy, 82 years old, peacefully returned to his Father in Heaven on January 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Rholand was born on January 5, 1941, in Moab to Otho Rholand and Blanche Elmer Murphy. He married Temmie Kay Johnson on August 13, 1959, and they primarily lived in Moab, except for the last decade of his life spent in West Valley, Utah.
Rholand was born and raised in Moab and worked in the local gas stations, uranium mines and drilling, but eventually found his career in the construction industry. He owned his own construction company, doing projects to support Moab city infrastructure, subdivisions, and general construction for local residents. For many years he worked side by side with his son, Rholand Jr.
Rholand was affectionately known to his friends as “Moose” for his small but strong stature. His one true love in life, besides his wife Temmie, was the city of Moab. He loved the mountains and surrounding areas of Moab where he spent his early days racing around town and in his free time could be found fishing, hunting, panning for gold, recreating in his RV in the La Sal Mountains, or just taking a ride on the loop road. In town, he loved to meet with friends at the local coffee shop and shoot the breeze with the boys. In his later years, he loved to read western books and spend time with his favorite little dog, Lani.
Rholand developed a reputation for being a hardworking, reliable, and trustworthy contractor who was fair with people. He was a patient man who was loyal to his family and always willing to support them when in need. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten. We are grateful to know that we will see him again one day.
Rholand is survived by his wife, Temmie; two sisters, Shirley Pehrson and Shelton Johnson (Tom Johnson); children, DeAnn Rhodes (Matt), Rholand Murphy Jr (Jennifer), Colette Deleev (Walt), and Laurie Murphy (Merrill); Lani, fur princess; as well as 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his sisters, Penny Simmons and Betty Lammert; father, Otho Murphy; mother, Blanche Elmer; grandmother, Bertha Murphy; great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn Rose; and son-in-law, Merrill Bone.
A viewing will be held on Friday, February 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Spanish Valley Mortuary (386 N. 100 West). There will be a graveside service on Saturday, February 4 at 1 p.m. at the Grand Valley Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life luncheon at approximately 2 p.m. at the Moab LDS Stake Center (701 Locust Lane).
Condolences can be emailed directly to the family at jmurphy1316@gmail.com or left at www.spanishvalleymortuary.com.
