Darlene M. Murphy, 76, of Volga, died suddenly on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her home in Volga.

Darlene Mae Sprague was born May 26, 1950, in Manchester, the daughter of Gilbert Dewayne and Frances Posha (Talapina) Sprague. She graduated from Edgewood-Colesburg High School with the class of 1968. Darlene continued her education at Northeast Iowa Community College, studying nursing. She went on to work as a registered nurse for many years. On June 20, 1970, she was united in marriage to Roy Jere Murphy at Elkport. They lived in many homes around the Clayton and Fayette County areas before settling outside Volga on the farm. Darlene was a member of the Wadena Presbyterian Church and the Volga River Riders Saddle Club. She enjoyed horses, trail rides, camping, gardening, cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with her grandchildren.

Darlene is survived by her three children: Shayne (Diane) Murphy of Edgewood, Stacy (Mark) Fletcher of Strawberry Point and Shawn (Amy) Murphy Sr. of Hawkeye; 11 grandchildren, Nathan Murphy, Brittany (Cade) Demro, Jason Briggs, Jessie (Jacob) Kramer, Julie Briggs, Jonathan (Nevaeh) Briggs, Sofie Fletcher, Chasity (Brandon) Clayton, Cheyenne Murphy, Shawn Murphy, Jr., and Christina Murphy; 16 great grandchildren; seven sisters; one brother; many nieces and nephews; and many others she considered as family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Roy, on Jan. 14, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Inurnment will be at the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Arlington is assisting the family.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.