William Harold Murphy Sr

William H. Murphy

April 19, 1943 – May 19, 2026

William H. Murphy (“Bill”), age 83, of Lambertville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Lambertville.

Bill was born on April 19, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late William J. Murphy and Betty (Stevenson) Murphy.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Ardith “Ardie” Murphy (Drollinger); his sons, William Murphy Jr. and Michael (Michelle) Murphy; his step-son, Steve (Shawn) Rafferty; his brothers, Robert (Pam) Murphy and Barry (Jeanne) Murphy; his sister, Bonnie (Kevin) Baltzer; his grandchildren, Marisa, Keegan, Ronan, Lauren, Kayla, Kari, Taylor, Brooke, and Bailey; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele Murphy; his stepdaughter, Dawn Rafferty; and his grandsons, Devin and Joshua Murphy.

Bill dedicated many years of service to the City of Toledo Parks & Recreation Department, where he began in grounds maintenance and advanced to Foreman and eventually Supervisor before retiring in 1996. He also proudly served his country for 26 years in the United States Air Force, Air National Guard, and FEMA, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-9).

A passionate mentor and community leader, Bill served as a Cub Scout leader, football coach for the Washington Junior Football League, and an active booster club member. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, the Elks, Moose, and Eagle Lodges, and remained deeply involved in the Masonic Lodge, serving as Master in both Ohio and Michigan.

Bill and Ardie shared a love for creativity and community through the ceramic studio they operated from their home, where they taught and inspired many while forming lifelong friendships.

In 1996, they began a new chapter together in northern Michigan near Torch Lake, a place they cherished for many years. There, they enjoyed boating, attending arts and crafts shows, entertaining family and friends, wine tasting, playing euchre, and embracing the beauty of lake life.

In 2022, Bill and Ardie returned to the Toledo area to be closer to family and for health reasons. After facing many health challenges and surgeries over the years, Bill found peace in coming home to rest surrounded by loved ones.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio. Military and Masonic services will begin at 6:00 p.m.