September 5, 1947 - February 16, 2026
Paula Jean Troxel was born on September 26, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Robert “Bob” and Virginia Mae Troxel. She was the youngest of three beloved daughters, the “Troxel queens.” Paula passed away peacefully at her home in Bristow on Feb. 16, 2026 at the age of 78.
Paula spent her early years briefly in Duncan, Oklahoma, before moving to Bristow in second grade, where she would make her home for much of her life. A spirited young woman, she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen at Bristow High School, graduating in 1965. She continued her education at Tulsa Business College.
On April 21, 1967, Paula was united in marriage to Dean Murphy and blessed in that union for almost 59 years. Together they were blessed with two sons, Scott and Aaron. In so many ways, Paula embodied the Proverbs 31 woman, diligent, nurturing, and devoted to her family’s well-being. She faithfully tended to the needs of those she loved, rising at 5:00 each morning to ensure everyone was up, fed, and ready for the day. A natural mother, she mothered not only her own children but everyone around her with warmth and care. She cherished time spent with family, long phone conversations with her sisters, and planning joyful family gatherings. Paula enjoyed a 20-year career as a data processor at Bartlett-Collins Glass Company before retiring. In her free time, she found great joy outdoors, basking in the sun, planting and tending her flowers, fishing and feeding the hummingbirds. She delighted in decorating for holidays and hosting family meals, filling her home with love and tradition. A faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Slick, Oklahoma, Paula lived a life grounded in faith and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert “Bob” and Virginia Mae Troxel; her sister Janet and brother-in-law Floyd Joslen; and her sister Marcia Keathly.
Paula is survived by her devoted husband, Dean; sons Scott and daughter-in-law Miwa Murphy, and Aaron and daughter-in-law Shemaiah Murphy; her five cherished grandsons, her “Sunshine boys”, Micah, Zachary, Daniel, Thomas, and Benjamin; brother-in-law David Keathly; sister-in-law Pamala Huchel; cousin Roxanne and husband Robert Gooch; nephews Jeff Joslen, Bryan Triggalet, Jonathan Keathley, Bobby Hilbert, and Chris Anderson; and nieces Deanna Dobson and Shawna Hoffman and along with many great nieces & nephews & their families.
Paula’s legacy of love, dedication, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Faith Baptist Church near Slick with Pastor Steve Lamberson officiating.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.matherlyfuneralhomes.co m