Our obituaries page allows for you to light a candle for a loved one or leave a guest comment. You are able to search for obituaries by first and last name or by the date of death.

Renee D. Murphy

August 6, 1970 - October 21, 2021

Renee D. Murphy, 51, passed away October 21, 2021, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 25, 2021, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (501 E. 1st St.) with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, also at the church. A private graveside service will be held at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Renee was born August 6, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa to Rick and Wanda Borger. She attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA and graduated in 1988. She then received her undergraduate degree in psychology and biology from Simpson College before attending Drake University and receiving her master’s degree in Education. She married Trent Murphy on July 27, 1991.

Renee made an impact on the lives of many by serving on various community, civic, and volunteer boards. She was a teacher and mentor at the Ankeny Leadership Institute, on the Board of Trustees at Simpson College, cofounder of Ankeny 100 Women, founder and owner of her own social media company “Sassy Social Media Management”, and cofounder and owner of Salon Connx. She was also a former catechist, Eucharist minister, and religious education teacher for Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny.

She was a lifelong learner and loved adventure. Her ability to spread joy and make people smile made her a friend to everyone she met. She was passionate about serving others and was committed to making the world a better place. For even in death, Renee continued to serve others as an organ donor.

Renee was the recipient of many awards for her work as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Being a wonderful wife and mother was Renee’s greatest accomplishment.

Renee is survived by her husband, Trent; daughters, Heather Murphy and Aimee (Destin) Graham; mother, Wanda Borger; father and stepmother, Rick and Mary Borger; brother, Craig Borger; and mother-in-law, Connie Weidemann; as well as many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Renee’s honor to the following organizations: Simpson College, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University (CHARACTER COUNTS!), and the James Arthur Albert Foundation.

In Renee’s honor, please spread joy and love by giving one yellow rose to someone you love.