Bonnie Karlson Murphy

January 5, 1942 - November 1, 2026

Bonnie Karlson Murphy passed away November 1, 2026, at age 84. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana on January 5, 1942, to parents John Victor Karlson and Bonnie Louise Huff. She moved to Houston, Texas when she was 18.

Bonnie and her late husband, Mike Murphy, were married nearly 50 years. Each brought children from a previous marriage, and together they formed a blended family that made years of memories at holidays, birthdays, and many other special occasions. They had a lot of fun which is evident in the countless family pictures.

When her children started school, she looked for other ways to keep herself busy. She learned to hang wallpaper then later took a part-time job at an art gallery, which sparked her interest in picture framing. She and Mike went on to buy their own gallery and frame shop, where Bonnie happily worked until they sold it to pursue their dream of moving to the country.

Baking was one of Bonnie's favorite ways to show she cared. She shared brownies, pies, and cakes with friends, neighbors, the nursing home, and doctors. Receiving one of her cinnamon cakes or pies meant you were special, and everyone had their favorite treat that connected them to her.

Her grandchildren have great memories of summers with Grandma at the farm, where they spent hours playing dress-up, visiting the pond, and feeding the cows. She would tell you that some of her happiest hours were spent baking alongside the grandchildrenn she adored.

Bonnie loved the outdoors especially flowers, plants, and animals. She had several feeders that she kept full for the birds she loved to watch, particularly the hummingbirds. She adored Texas wildflowers and looked forward to each spring when the bluebonnets blanketed her yard.

Time with family and friends meant the world to her, and she was always ready to deal a hand of cards. She and her father played dominoes every evening when she was young, and later in years she looked forward to her weekly Canasta game.

Easy to talk with and always welcoming, Bonnie made everyone feel valued. She was a wonderful teacher and could gently guide you in learning a new task or give you tips to improve just about anything. She could speak to you in such a way that even a rebuke or correction never felt harsh. Her kindness, the moments around her table, and the warmth she gave freely will live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her seven children: Brigitte Peres, Donna (Randy) Flather, Dana Grogan, Michael Murphy Jr., Bo Burke, Kelly (Tom) Mueller, and Steven (Veronica) Burke; 17 grandchildren: Tara, Randi (Ross), John, Travis, Ian, Andrew, Amanda, Rachel, Sam, Annie, Kevin, Faith (Dustin), Caroline, Christopher, Cierra, Addy and Walker; two great-grandchildren: Nate and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her parents; her sister, Johnette Milam; her brother, Bill Karlson; her son-in-law, Butch Grogan; and her granddaughter-in-law, Nadia Mueller.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Bonnie's life on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bremond, Texas. The rosary begins at noon, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m.

Please stay afterward for a reception at 113 S. Main Street, Bremond, TX to share stories and remember Bonnie together.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bonnie's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.