Colleen Diane Murphy

Colleen Diane (Peterson) Murphy, age 79, passed away on November 29, 2025 at her home in Cut Bank, Montana after a brief battle with cancer.

Her service will be held on Monday, December 22 at Whitted Funeral Chapel Cut Bank at 1:00pm with burial in Crown Hill Cemetery, and a reception to follow at the Moose Lodge.

Colleen was born on October 12, 1946 in Cut Bank, Montana, to John and Florence Peterson. She grew up in Cut Bank, attended school, and graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1964.

She married John “Salty” Murphy on December 7, 1965, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. After the wedding, they moved to Germany, where Salty was stationed in the Army. After Salty was honorably discharged they moved back to Cut Bank. Together they raised two daughters, Lisa and Tara.

Colleen worked at numerous places in Cut Bank, some of which included First National Bank, Union Oil, Phillips, Western Breeze, and ultimately retired from Glacier Electric in 2001, after working there for 18 years.

Colleen was a member of the Moose Lodge for many years. She enjoyed bowling, reading, sewing, gambling, watching Jeopardy with her family, and making her famous jerky for family every Christmas! Her favorite times were watching her grandkids in their sports and other activities. She loved spending time with her daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Colleen is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Jared) VandenBos and Tara Murphy, both of Cut Bank; grandchildren Justin (Alisha) VandenBos, Reid (Bailey) VandenBos, Marissa (Chase) Barta, Jayde Murphy, Brianne Murphy, and Bradin Murphy; great-grandchildren Wrenley, Luke, Ella, Kara, and Easton; grand-dog Ruby, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Salty, her parents John and Florence, siblings Phyllis (Ken) Eagling, Bev (Bob) Edens, Duane (Virginia) Peterson, and Jim (Paula) Peterson. She was the last of the Peterson siblings.

Her kindness, generosity and loving nature were evident as she was known as “Gram Colleen” to the many kids she welcomed into her home. She will be missed dearly by all her family and close friends.