In Loving memory of Miriam Marie Hemphill Curran.

Miriam Hemphill was the oldest child of Reid and Gladys Hemphill born on October 3rd, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas. Her life was a testament to love, adventure and service. Her early life was linked to education as her family relocated to Berea Kentucky and later to Warrensburg, Missouri, where her father, a PhD mathematician, taught. She also embraced the family pursuit of education which influenced her lifelong passion for teaching.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Central Missouri State University in 1959, Miriam embarked on a teaching career in Raytown, Missouri. It was there that she agreed to a blind date, which would forever change her life. This date introduced her to a young Air Force lieutenant named Ralph Curran, whom she would marry on May 29, 1960. Their love story spanned an incredible 63 years, filled with shared adventures and cherished moments.

After their marriage, Ralph took a rotational job with GE and they had opportunity to live in exotic places such as Erie PA, Richland WA and Pittsfield MA. Throughout these journeys, Miriam remained steadfast in her teaching career, transitioning her focus to Special Education. In the midst of their travels, their family grew with the arrivals of Kathy in 1962, David in 1964, and Patty in 1965. In 1967, they settled in Richland, Washington, making it their permanent home with the birth of their son, Andy, in 1969.

These were busy years, yet Miriam found the time and courage to explore the regions she lived in and to learn new activities. Her adventurous spirit shone brightly as she embraced new activities like skiing, backpacking, and camping, all for the love of her family and her eagle scout husband. She knitted tirelessly, often crafting beautiful ski hats during car rides to the slopes.
Once her kids were old enough, Miriam returned to teaching. However, she opted for pre-school over elementary. and began working at West Side Preschool where she remained until her retirement in 1994.

Miriam had a strong Christian faith. She was not vocal but lived out her faith through her service. When something needed to be done, she was there to make it happen. Miriam built a loving home where all her family knew they were loved and cared for. Her gift of service was evident in her welcoming home where there was always room for an additional friend at the dinner table or on family trips.

In addition to her teaching career, Miriam’s creative talents flourished. She was a gifted seamstress, sewing clothing, Halloween costumes, quilts, and knitting hundreds of baby hats with a loving touch. As a grandmother to nine and great-grandmother to four, she poured boundless love into her family, nurturing each generation with care and wisdom.

She is survived by her only sibling, Don Hemphill, her husband Ralph, their 4 children, Kathy Kearney (Glenn) David Curran (Debby), Patty Parkman (David), and Andy Curran (Tina), her grandchildren, Sean Kearney (Nikki), Erin Miller (Dan), Lauren Wanamaker (Ian), Emily Curran, Jeremiah Curran, Michael Parkman (Jenni), Samuel Parkman, Kellan Curran and Liam Curran and great-grandchildren Cash and Colton Kearney and Eli and Oliver Miller.

Miriam’s life was a tapestry woven with love, dedication, and a spirit of adventure. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.

A memorial service will be held September 16 at Einan’s event center at 2 PM.

May she rest in eternal peace, forever knitting her love into the fabric of our hearts.”

The family would request that any donations be provided to SIGN Fracture Care International in Miriam’s name.