Kelton Murphy

Kelton Murphy Obituary

Kelton Anderton Murphy, age 19, daughter of Ken and Katharine Murphy; and sister to Andrew and Shea, was granted her angel wings January 20, 2016, following a battle with pneumonia after a lifelong struggle with Rett Syndrome. Everyone who knew her came to love her. Her final hours were spent surrounded by family, caregivers and friends whom she had touched throughout her short, yet very memorable life. An incredible spirit, whose body let her down, Kelton is finally free of the body that failed her.

Although she was confined to a wheelchair and unable to communicate with words, her expressive beautiful eyes, facial gestures and sweet smiles could convey what was most important to her. Her spirit, humor and gentle nature could always be heard and felt. She had a special way of looking at you that made you smile or feel that you were in on the world’s best joke. Though Rett Syndrome made her appear frail at first glance, Kelton possessed a mighty spirit. She demonstrated time and again perseverance and an ability to survive incredible odds and unmanageable physical challenges. Her parents, Ken and Katharine, feel truly blessed to have been given this special child. She adored her family.

A “daddy’s girl” at heart, Kelton would light up when she was with her father and enjoyed his devotion to her comfort and needs. She and her dad communicated in ways that most people could not understand but expressed so much. She sometimes would turn beet red when her daddy would flatter her. She and her mom also had a special relationship which often times involved humor and girl talk. They loved their strolls through the neighborhood, where they would look for different animals that popped out along the way. She looked forward to cuddling her mom and dad and watching Disney movies in bed. She was always interested in what her brothers were up to, and the staff at Providence would often mention how she lit up when she heard their voices or names. Her attention would always be tuned into them no matter who else was present.

She enjoyed music and had a very eclectic taste, from Disney musicals, country and western, to Raffi. Her favorite colors were pink and purple, and she adored being dressed in them, in all of her girly attire. Kelton had a deep interest with children her own age and loved going to school, surrounded by the the sounds and laughter of her classmates. School brought her so much joy.

Kelton leaves behind many wonderful caregivers, at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children and beyond, for which her family is incredibly grateful. In addition, her family wishes to thank the wonderful teachers Kelton had at Portland Public Schools throughout the years and her kind and caring classmates.

Kelton is survived by her loving parents, Kenneth and Katharine Murphy; brothers, Andrew and Shea; grandmothers, Nancie McGraw and Sue Altstadt; and countless aunts, uncles and wonderful cousins, who were privileged to spend time with her. Kelton will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, Kenneth and Katharine kindly request that donations be made to Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children and International Rett Syndrome Foundation.

A private memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016, at Providence to be attended by family, teachers and staff. A larger gathering to celebrate her life will be held at 3:30 p.m. that same day at the Murphy residence for those who wish to attend.

Pivate Memorial Service

1:30 p.m. ,Friday, January 29, 2016
Located at Providence to be attended by family, teachers and staff

Notes: A larger gathering to celebrate her life will be held at 3:30 p.m. that same day at the Murphy residence for those who wish to attend.

Services

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One reply on “Kelton Murphy”

Kelton-

I miss you beyond description. I am in awe and grateful that you fought so hard for so many years. As I told you many times, “if I would have made a list of he perfect daughter, I would have fallen so short. You were more perfect and wonderful than I could have ever imagined…..Love, the luckiest Dad in the world