Carolyn (Carol) Murphy

Carolyn (Carol) Murphy Thompson, 79, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and aunt was called to her eternal resting place on December 21, 2025. She entered this world on August 28, 1946, in Anthony, Kansas, born to Ralph and Dorothy (Metzinger) Conrady.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, in Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, OK from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with prayer service to follow at 6 p.m. in the chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ponca City, Oklahoma with Father Bala officiating. Interment will follow in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Arkansas City, KS.

Carol was raised on the family farm outside Wakita, Oklahoma and attended school in Wakita, graduating from Bluff City, Kansas in 1965. She continued her education with Cowley County College where she received her associate’s degree in applied sciences in 1975, going on to complete her bachelor’s degree at Southwestern College. Carol obtained her master’s degree in education from Wichita State in May of 1979 and in December of 1980 received her Specialist in Education. Most of her career was spent as a special education teacher and director at Winfield State Hospital, Winfield, KS. Later she was owner/operator of KIXR radio station in Ponca City, OK with the love of her life Gordon Thompson AKA Uncle Gordo. Carol was strong and very independent; therefore, she didn't appreciate anyone telling her what to do, she had her own way of doing things.

Carol loved her large family and enjoyed planning and hosting get-togethers. She is responsible for starting the Conrady family reunions and loved what is called "lake weekends" which meant she was staying home and cooking all day as though she was cooking for an army. The army in question was Matthew, Alicia and Madilyn Schultz and Chris and Kea Conrady plus several friends and dogs were always welcome. Carol enjoyed spending time with her great niece, Madilyn, showing her around the kitchen, making numerous dirt cakes and preparing food for family and club events. Her other hobbies were the Cruzin' Grand and Car Show, Schooner Car Club and Goldwing Club of which she was a member for 10+ years. The last year of her life was spent with loved ones, making lots of memories.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are daughter, Joanna (Joni) Clark and husband Bobby of Colon, Nebraska, two grandchildren Philip Bartlett and Nicholas Bartlett, and great grandchildren, Jacob, Alana, Graham and William Bartlett. Also surviving are her brothers; Don Conrady and wife Pat of Woodward, OK, Bob Conrady of Cache, OK, John Conrady of Yukon, OK, sisters; Lynda Parker and husband Richard of Enid, OK, Pat Thurman of Caldwell, KS, Phyllis Blanton and husband Dave of Valley Center, KS, Janet Frazier and husband Jerry of Owasso, OK and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gordon, brothers, Charles, Mike, and Gary, and one sister, Mary Jo.

Memorials may be made to the McCord Fire Department, Camp Mc Fadden or St. Mary's Catholic Church with the funeral home serving as custodian.

Online guest registry is available at www.gracememorialchapel.net