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On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Ruth Elizabeth Murphy passed away at the age of 81.

She is survived by her brothers Billy Steiner and Perry Steiner; her 3 children (Sherri Holdridge, Kathleen Doyle-Murphy, and Colleen Hill); her 3 step-children (Brian Murphy, Michael Murphy, and Colleen Murphy); her sons and daughter in laws (Stephen Holdridge, Eric James, Marc Hill, and Julie Murphy); and her 5 grandchildren (Ryley Holdridge, Aidan Holdridge, Sydney Murphy, Sequoia Newberg, and Axel Newberg).

Over the years Betty was not only a wife, a mother, and a grandmother; but she was also an artist, a journalist, an activist, a friend, and a voice to many. She also loved to travel and enjoyed keeping up with current news and politics by reading her newspapers. Two important passions in her life revolved around Child Support Advocacy and the Fight to Save Vidant Pungo Hospital.

One of her proudest accomplishments was in 1992 when she presented testimony to Congress. Her testimony lead to sweeping changes in the establishment and collection of child support across the nation. Due to her tireless efforts, she inspired others to form more advocacy groups and organizations that today continue this important work.

Betty was always a fighter at heart even to the very end. She will be deeply missed by many. Her family loved her so much and she will be forever in their hearts.