Kathleen R. Derrick “beloved mother and grandmother”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Kathleen Ruth “Kathy” Derrick, 77, of Shinglehouse, passed into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Born Friday, January 2, 1948 in Bridgeton, NJ, she was a daughter of Millard and Grace Hetzell Shiles.

She was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1965, in Shinglehouse. Kathy married Gordon E. Derrick on September 18, 1983 and resided in Eldred for 9 years.

Kathy worked for a variety of employers including: the IRS Census, Mom’s Kitchen, the Valley Restaurant, Red’s and Trudy’s, the Bear’s Den, Alcas, Olean Tile Company, Case Cutlery, Quality Foods Bakery, Kmart Portrait Studio in Wellsville, NY, and the Rehabilitation Center in Olean, NY.

She was a member and attended Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle for 42 years. In 2011, Kathy joined the Oswayo Valley Senior Center in Shinglehouse and became an active member and secretary, where she made many friends and memories.

She enjoyed reading, crafting, decorating cakes, cryptogram puzzles, doodling and playing Rummy with her children. In her lifetime, Kathy also enjoyed spending time with some of her dearest friends, Carolyn Cameron, Nancy Gaunt, Gloria DeCook, Leanna Carpenter, Dian Skinner, Bonita Mix and their families.

Kathy is survived by her loving children, James P. “Jimmy” Murphy, Jr. of Pennsylvania, Sharon “Sherry” (Glenn Snelling) Gilbert-Snelling of Michigan, and Bonnie Murphy of Shinglehouse; seven grandchildren, Justin (Christina), Ryan (Michelle), Shannon (Tyler), Gerald, Nicholas, Jaime, and Joseph; eight great-grandchildren, Jaeden, Aria, Noah, Grace, Bryce, Isaiah, Edison, and Elijah; a stepdaughter, Carol Woods of Vermont; a step-daughter-in-law, Rose Derrick of Pennsylvania; nine step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Dale (Barbara) Shiles of Delaware; two sisters, Nancy (Michael) Brylinski and Judy Taylor, both of New York; a sister-in-law, Donna Mae Shiles of Maryland; along with several nieces and nephews.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, James P. Murphy, Sr.; her second husband, Gordon E. Derrick; a brother, Millard Shiles, Jr.; and a stepson, Thomas Derrick.

As 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “She has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” She leaves behind a beautiful example of a life well lived and we know she is now enjoying eternal peace with her Lord, having heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Family and friends are invited to gather from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, 1127 Rte 44, Shinglehouse, where a celebration of life will follow at 1pm with Pastor Alan Mertsock, officiating. Kathy will be laid to rest in the Spring of 2026 in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s name to Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, 1127 Rte 44, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, PO Box 671, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

A special thanks to Pastor Alan and Bonny Mertsock and Kevin and Patty Dusenbury at Howard Funeral Home.

Kathy’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Kathy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.