Cari Ann Murphy, beautiful tomboy with a passion for fashion, will forever be remembered for her fearless, generous, caring, and hilarious ways. With her husband at her side Cari passed away at home in Flagstaff, Arizona on January 1, 2025, following an unwinnable battle with cancer.  Born in the suburbs of Chicago on November 12, 1972, Cari had the talent, energy and opportunity to attend Eastern New Mexico University on a tennis full scholarship.  Her  creativity drew Cari to The Art Institute of Phoenix, becoming an award winning landscape designer and artist.  After moving to Flagstaff Cari joined her husband in developing and leading All Star Grand Canyon Tours, while serving on the Northern Arizona Special Olympics Board and volunteering for numerous charitable events.  Her many friends knew at a moment's notice Cari could be called upon to come to their assistance, tear it up like nobody else on the dance floor, produce a huge catered event, cheer like crazy for her Bears, leap into a kayak or onto a snowboard, roar with unbridled laughter to Bob's Burgers, comfort those wounded, or slide into home plate in shorts; all the while remaining adorable.

Cari is survived by her husband, Ben Murphy, and her stepson, Walter Murphy, who will find comfort in the memories and everlasting love they shared.  She is also survived by her parents, Jim and Christy Wojtak of Buckeye, Arizona; her brother, Jimmy Wojtak and his partner Susan Person of San Francisco, California; her aunts and uncles: Janet Wojtak, Julie Matteucci, George and Kathy Wojtak, Jerry and Ellen Wojtak,  John and Ingrid Wojtak;  and her many cousins, Beth and Gary, Andrea and Brett, Amy, Greg and Laurie, Joey and Ruth, Anthony, Anne and Mike, Melissa and Ken, Andy and Angela, Leslie and Anthony, Danny and Haley, Carina and Jurgen, and Anja and Thomas many originally of Kenosha, Wisconsin with whom she shared many joyous adventures.  Cari was predeceased by Grandparents Joseph & Julia Wojtak, Orlando and Helen Molinaro, Uncle Joseph Wojtak, Uncle Chuck Matteucci, and cousins Mary Wojtak, Jane Wojtak, & Megan Senteri.  Her loss is also mourned by members of the Kravitz and Murphy families from the Northeast of this country and the backpacking and snowboarding community throughout Flagstaff and the Southwest.

In remembrance of Cari, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Cari's memory may contribute to Northern Arizona Special Olympics. Your donations will serve as a testament to Cari's life, reflecting her impact on those who were privileged to have known her.  Though grappling with the loss of Cari's physical presence, we find solace in knowing that her spirit lives on in each person she has touched with her warmth, zest and humor.  All are invited to join us for a celebration of Cari Murphy's life on June 15th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at The Elks' Club, Flagstaff, Arizona.