Clayton and Marsha Murphy both grew up in west Texas. Marsha was playing high school basketball about 100 miles from where Clayton was attending college & her teammate introduced her to Clayton’s brother who introduced the couple on a blind date. They were married in 1973. Marsha also played high school softball and continued on a coed team until she was in her 30s. They both love the outdoors – snow skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking. For ten years they competed in cross-country Enduro motorcycle races. The Murphys lived in Crane, TX until they accepted a transfer to Pinedale in 2006. Marsha said, “We always wanted to know if we wanted to live in the mountains when we retired, so we came.”

In college Clayton studied Animal Husbandry and Marsha earned an Associate’s Degree in business. Marsha said, “I regret that I didn’t finish but you can make the money in the oilfields. Clayton & I both started as roustabouts and worked our way up. I retired after 17+ years and Clayton has 31 years. He is hoping to retire in 2 years and go into a ministry of building churches. We couldn’t do it without the jobs from the oilfield.” Marsha didn’t stay retired. After moving to Pinedale she started a commercial cleaning business. She said, “It’s hard work. Four ladies work with me – they’re awesome.”

Clayton & Marsha have one daughter, Kelly, who is married to Andy Disher. They live in Lubbock, TX and both are in the medical field. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in neonatal nursing.

When Kelly was little the Murphys sent her to church with her aunt and uncle while they raced cycles. Marsha admitted, “Kelly was in the Children’s Choir and we used the church as our babysitter.” But when Kelly was 11 there was a huge revival. Kelly said, “Mom, you need to go with me”. If was a life-changing event. Marsha and Kelly accepted Christ into their lives. The next night Clayton did the same. They were all baptized at the same time. It was 1988. Marsha now has a special ministry for young people. She has been a Children’s Choir Director and currently works with our Fishermen Club. Clayton had a ministry with music until his workload got to be too much. He likes Outreach Ministry – going out and knocking on doors. They both work with young adults. Marsha had some good advice for parents: “If you send your children to church, it is so important to know who they are with and what they are doing & learning.” And for young people: “Plan for the future. If you are making $10.00, use $7.50 to live on and lay back the rest for your old selves.” Clayton is a church Deacon and Marsha is a Deaconess. Marsha said, “We don’t care about titles. We’re all servants. We all need to walk into church and say, ‘What can I do for God.’”

By Judi Myers - Oct, 2007