Wendy Sue (Southgate) Murphy

Wendy S. (Southgate) Murphy, 56 a cherished matriarch and a beacon of hope and strength passed away on Sunday April 28, 2024 at the wonderful Raclin House in Mishawaka, IN. Wendy was born in Saginaw, MI. to Ronald and Noreen Southgate (Jacoby), they survive.

She attended Arthur Hill High School and graduated with honors in 1985. Her passion was music, piano, singing and she attended Interlochen School of Music. She was a member of her middle school swim team and was an AHHS Pom Pom Squad Team member. She worked many summers at Saginaw Harness Raceway saving her money for college.

Wendy attended Michigan State University earning a Bachelor’s degree in education and later a Master’s degree from Indiana University. Wendy taught Pre-K, and First grade Reading Recovery and was most recently a Literacy Coach for Buchanan Michigan school system for 33 years. Wendy was the Union President for her district and was actively involved with the School Board and PTA. She was the founder and Executive Director for Little Bucks Bookmobile where she diligently was raised money to fund this non-profit so the children had books to read over the summer.

Wendy’s passion was children and her priority was learning and not letting any student fall behind. She would visit sick children at their homes after work hours to tutor them, so they could advance to the next grade. God put her on earth to teach.

Wendy enjoyed camping, boating, snowmobiling, traveling, swimming, music, visiting local wineries, visiting her students at the 4H Fair, her two dogs and cats, garage sales and her beloved Good Will store. Sunday’s were a special day to visit after church with her family and cheering on her Michigan State football team.

Wendy is survived by her Husband and best friend, John; her children, Ben and Elise Hesser (Collin); stepchildren, Koneshia Murphy Montgomery (Sam), Brendon Murphy (Rachel); Grandchildren, Gage and Kennedy Montgomery; brothers, Ron and Brian Southgate; nephew and nieces, Sara Schneider (Brent), Brianna Hartley, Justin Southgate; and greats Cash and Harper.

She was preceded in death by her sister Kelly Lynette.

A celebration of life service will be held at St Pius X Catholic church in Granger, IN on May 25, 2024, on her birthday, at 10:30 AM, with visitation at 9:30 AM.

A second service will take place in Saginaw, MI at United Methodist Church, 4790 Gratiot Ave, Saginaw, MI 48638, on June 2nd at 3:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, Wendy would like donations to help fight cancer for children to The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) www.acco.org