Esther Francis Murphy

Esther Francis (Cunningham) Murphy, 93, of Wintersville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026. She was born on June 7, 1933, in Wintersville, Ohio, to the late William D. Cunningham and Frances (Eshbaugh) Cunningham. In addition to her parents, Esther is preceded in death by her son, Donald C. Benedict; her grandsons, Benjamin Benedict and Terry Benedict Jr.; her brothers, William, Wilber, Floyd, and Howard Cunningham; and her sister, Dorothy Garbey.

Esther was an accountant for Hamrick Manufacturing for many years before her retirement. She was also a faithful member of the Church of the Christ in Wintersville, Ohio.

She is survived by her children, Terry Benedict Sr., Rex Benedict Sr., Dale Benedict, Catherine Smarr, and Nina B. Benedict; her brothers, Hugh (Karen) and Forrest (Retha) Cunningham; her sister Loretta Bates; her 15 grandchildren; her 19 great grandchildren; and her 23 nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cherish Hospice for all of their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Friends will be received at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 685 Canton Road, Wintersville, Ohio, for a funeral service on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11 A.M. with Pastor Chuck Brettell officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Union Cemetery.

www.everhart-bovefuneralhomes.com