Barbara Murphy, 82, of Urbana, passed away at 4:47 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Champaign County Nursing Home.

Barbara was born August 6, 1931 in Lyons, Kansas to parents Howard and Clair (Johnson) Peterson. She married her longtime partner, Duane Eastburn in 2010 in Urbana, Illinois; he survives.

Also surviving are son, John Murphy, of Tempe, Arizona, brother, Wayne Peterson, of California, sister Joyce Allen, of California, stepson Darin Eastburn (Caroline), of Urbana, stepdaughters Debbie Robinson (Ron) of California, Jan Buhrmann of Jacksonville, Illinois, Johnna Shapiro (Lon) of Streamwood, Illinois, grandchildren, Amy Vincze, Ranell Odum, Brekke Day, Colin Eastburn-Mallory, Anya Shapiro, and three great-grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Michael and Lee Murphy.

Barbara worked for many years as a high school librarian for the Huntington Beach Union High School District in California. There, she attended the Unitarian Church, until she and Duane moved to Arizona after retirement. Barbara was instrumental in establishing a public library in Heber, Arizona. She and Duane moved to Urbana in 2007. Barbara was an avid birder and enjoyed traveling all over the country to see new species of birds. Barbara was a loving and caring spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at the Champaign County Nursing Home on Saturday, September 21 at 10:30 am with reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Champaign County Audubon society. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com