Carole Rose Smole Murphy

Carole Rose Smole Murphy, 87 of Cincinnati, Ohio, died peacefully Saturday evening, September 17, 2022.
She was born April 25, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of the late John J. “Doc” Smole and Rose Mary Trobenter Smole. In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her husband, John “Hal” Murphy in 1983; and a daughter, Colleen “Muffin” Murphy in 1995.
Carole moved to Huntington, WV in 1945; then to Ashland, KY in 1961 and later to Largo, FL in 2001. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Ashland and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Largo, FL. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Carole was a professional musician for over 50 years. She worked at WSAZ-TV in Huntington, WV and the former C&O Railroad. She was accordionist on “Saturday Night Jamboree” program at WSAZ, TV; traveled with the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) entertaining extensively in the Southeast and locally, playing keyboard, piano and accordion. She appeared with the Horace Heidt Orchestra.
In 1956 she was selected as Miss Railroads to represent the C&O Railroad and appeared on nationally televised “Today” Show. She was active in the Welcome Wagon, Past President of Altrusa Club of Ashland, KY, Secretary of Ironton Country Club Ladies Association and a member of ladies 9-hole Association at Palm Hill Country Club in Largo and a member of Riverbend Ladies Golf Association.
Carole was a member of Ladies Auxiliary of the Ashland Knights of Columbus, was active in Holy Family Catholic Church Choir and St. Patrick Adult Choir and served as pianist for the Youth Choir of Holy Family Catholic Church and Guest Conductor of Ashland Youth Orchestra.
Survivors include a son, Marc Murphy and wife, Dustin Meek; daughter, Dr. Marjorie “Kelly” Cowan; five grandsons, Taylor and Sam Cowan and John, Peter and Jay Murphy; granddaughter, Suzanne Lawrence and husband, Aaron Crothers; great granddaughter, Molly Crothers and several cousins in the Cleveland area.
A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father D. Andrew Canon Garner, KHS presiding. Burial will follow in Bellefonte Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carole’s memory should be directed to the Music Ministry at Holy Family Catholic Church, 900 Winchester Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.
To share a remembrance of Carole or to extend condolences to her family, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.

 

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