Joyce Belle Lyons Benfell-Murphy

Benfell-Murphy, Joyce Belle Lyons Age 86, passed away Monday, February 13, 2012. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Douglas E. Murphy; brothers, Daniel Lyons, Raymond Lyons, Clem Lyons, George Lyons. She is survived by her children, Sharolyn Benfell, CDR USN Ret, of Rio Rancho, NM, Kathleen Benfell, RPh., of Rio Rancho, NM, Marcelyn Kant, B.S., and husband Richard A. of Las Vegas, NV, Leonard H. Benfell, III, B.A., and wife Polly A. of Benton, AR; grandchildren, W. Blaire Benfell, Scarlett A. Benfell, and first husband, Leonard H. Benfell, Jr. She was born in Linden, ID, on May 6, 1925. She grew up on a ranch in northern Idaho during the Big Band era, where she became an amateur singer on the radio. As a U.S. Navy wife, she settled her family many times on the west and east coasts of North America, including Ottawa, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Her enjoyment of new places and people led to her successful commitment to jobs in sales from the Northeast to Clines Corners, NM. She was a Past Queen and Supreme Goodwill Ambassador of the Daughters of the Nile; a commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot and a Gourmet cook. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Ballut Abyad Shrine, 6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Joyce's honor to Shrine Children's Hospital, at Ballut Abyad Shrine, 6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Joyce's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124
505-892-9920