Cynthia Raye Murphy

It is with great sadness that we announce Cynthia Raye Murphy, age 78, of Barberton, Ohio, passed away on June 11, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1948 in Massillon, Ohio. She is survived by her sons and their spouses Joseph (Lisa) Garrett, Robert (Jennifer) Garrett, Grandchildren Nick Garrett and Allison Garrett, Katie and Adam Steiner, and Chris and Alex Lambert, Great grandchildren Payton, McKenzie, Quinn, Liberty and San Juana Lambert, Titus and Canaan Steiner. Siblings Sally Dye and Harley Christopher. She was preceded in death by James M. Murphy (husband), Mary Petley (mother), Raymond Christopher (father) and brothers Robert, William, Gary and Timothy Christopher.

Our mom (proud to be called grandma & Yaya) enjoyed cooking. She would sometimes share secret recipes like her famous Chicken McMurf, Poor Man’s Pigs, Eye of Round with mash-taters (and her vegetable soup, beef-n-noodles off that) to name a few.

Our mom put others first, was giving and sacrificed to help many. Mom made friends everywhere she went. She often mentioned her lifelong friendship with Little Debbie and what that meant to her. She enjoyed talking on the phone, was never short on stories, enjoyed talking to her neighbors (and their children), people-watching and would make her home (and porch) a place all could come and feel welcome.

We offer heartfelt thanks to special friends Donnie, Linda, John & Erin, Paul & Kim, Terry & Jodie, Dave & Kim and Lydia that made themselves available to take her to her treatments, brought her meals, treats, flowers and even visited her bedside to make her smile on her last days. We will always be grateful for your love and support.

A Celebration of Life (date TBD) will be held in the summer. Poor Man’s Pigs will be on the menu. In lieu of flowers, take your families to dinner or a show and enjoy the people that you love, which is what our mom would have wanted. Private Burial will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.