(From Derfelt Funeral Home)Holly Elaine Murdock, age 53, passed away on March 30, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City
Holly was born on December 20, 1972, at Maude Norton Hospital in Columbus, Kansas.
She is survived by her parents, Gene Murdock (Beverly) and Donna Murdock. She is also survived by her siblings, L. Dee Murdock (Miranda) and Haley Mahon (Mark).
Holly was a devoted mother to Olivia McDown (Jace), Seth Stover, Ruby Stover, and Jonas Stover, and a loving “Momma Holly” to Della Jayne McDown.
She was a scholar athlete at Columbus Unified High School, graduating in 1991. She went on to continue her basketball career at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She was an Academic All-American.
During her high school and college career she was a member of a select team that would travel to Estonia, USSR and later played with a team that would play in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She later returned home to Columbus and earned her Biology degree from Pittsburg State University. She spent many years working as a Registered Lab Tech at St. John’s/Mercy and Maude Norton Hospital in Columbus,
Kansas before joining her family at Murdock Properties, where she proudly took on the role of what her brother would name “self-appointed boss.” She also spent her time serving on the USD 493 School Board for nearly 15 years.
Holly had many passions, but her faith and her family were the cornerstone of her life. She defined herself first and foremost as a child of God and attended Christ Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, MO. Most recently, Holly, alongside her daughter Ruby, traveled to Poland on a mission trip where they helped teach English in the school system while displaying the love of Christ—a ripple that will continue far beyond her life.
It would be hard to talk about Holly’s passions without putting her children at the very top. She laughed the most when she was surrounded by them and found her greatest joy in having them all together. She loved traveling with her kids and had a deep love for history and historical landmarks. Many times, those two things overlapped, and her kids found themselves on “field trips” disguised as vacations and adventurous hikes.
Washington, D.C. was among one of her favorite places to visit. She raised her children to be deeply rooted in their faith—something she prioritized above all else—and took so much pride in cheering them on at games, recitals, and concerts. Through them, she developed a special love for music and the joy of watching each of her 4 children excel in their talents.
Kansas before joining her family at Murdock Properties, where she proudly took on the role of what her brother would name “self-appointed boss.” She also spent her time serving on the USD 493 School Board for nearly 15 years.
Holly had many passions, but her faith and her family were the cornerstone of her life. She defined herself first and foremost as a child of God and attended Christ Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, MO. Most recently, Holly, alongside her daughter Ruby, traveled to Poland on a mission trip where they helped teach English in the school system while displaying the love of Christ—a ripple that will continue far beyond her life.
It would be hard to talk about Holly’s passions without putting her children at the very top. She laughed the most when she was surrounded by them and found her greatest joy in having them all together. She loved traveling with her kids and had a deep love for history and historical landmarks. Many times, those two things overlapped, and her kids found themselves on “field trips” disguised as vacations and adventurous hikes.
Washington, D.C. was among one of her favorite places to visit. She raised her children to be deeply rooted in their faith—something she prioritized above all else—and took so much pride in cheering them on at games, recitals, and concerts. Through them, she developed a special love for music and the joy of watching each of her 4 children excel in their talents.
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 8 years ago, Holly was treated at MD Anderson, where she participated in a clinical trial that would later help shape the standard of care for others fighting BRCA 2 Pancreatic Cancer. She was one of only five patients to complete the trial, earning her the nickname “Unicorn” from her medical team at MD Anderson.
Holly was our family’s Queen, Warden, and Momma Holly. We know she is fully healed, made whole, and living her next chapter of her eternal story. Holly joins in heaven two sets of grandparents and her stepbrother Travis Paul Gray. We will forever be proud to call her ours—mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Reflecting on her life we are reminded of one of Holly’s favorite bible verses 1 Peter 5:10 which says…and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
The family will receive friends Thursday, April 2, 2026, From 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the State Theatre, 104 W. Pine, Columbus, KS. 66725.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS.
