Barbara Murphy
Spark for Life
Having called Crestview home for more than three decades, Barbara’s life reflects a blend of family devotion, championship-level achievement, and deep appreciation for community.
A Love Story That Never Quit
Barbara was married to her husband, Michael, for 47 years before he passed away nearly five years ago from brain cancer. Their love story began in Wichita, Kansas, at a ski club meeting in 1973. It was almost love at first sight. They met on June 11, became engaged exactly one month later, and were married by November of that same year.
“That love never quit,” Barbara says simply—a statement that carries the weight of decades shared together.
Michael was a highly respected gun dealer and instructor, teaching 32 Olympic shooters over the years. The family business, Michael Murphy and Sons, has been operating for nearly 50 years and is now run by their oldest son, Marc. Located in Augusta, Kansas, the shop is trusted nationwide for buying and consigning gun collections, a reputation built on integrity and longevity.
A Family to Be Proud Of
Barbara and Michael raised five children—Marc, Matthew, Marshall, Molly, and Maggie—and today, Barbara is the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren. Her pride in her family is unmistakable. Her children have gone on to become contributing members of society in diverse and impressive ways, from business and management to education, engineering, medicine, and international sales.
Several of her children were raised in Crestview, and some have chosen to return. One daughter lives on the golf course with her three sons, one of whom has developed a deep love for the game of golf. “They were raised here,” Barbara says, “and they love it so much they moved back.”
From the Country to Crestview
Barbara and Michael moved to Crestview 32 years ago after living in the country, where their gun shop sat on expansive acreage. What drew them in was the balance Crestview offered: a beautiful golf course, a large lake, and an open feel that didn’t feel like “town” to Michael, who loved the country.
Today, Barbara looks out at that same golf course and lake and feels nothing but gratitude. “I like my neighbors. I like the view. The country club is wonderful,” she says. “There’s really nothing to not like here.”
A World Champion’s Discipline
While Barbara is quick to talk about her family, her own accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. She began riding horses at the age of six and went on to compete at the highest levels of Quarter Horse competition. In 1985, she became the United States World Champion in the amateur all-around category.
The title required qualifying over the course of a year and competing in Oklahoma City against riders from across the country. The champion was determined by the most points earned on a single horse across four or more events. Barbara accomplished this feat on a 15-year-old horse she had originally purchased for her son.
“I went once and thought, ‘I’m every bit as good as these people,’” she recalls with a laugh. She proved herself right.
Remarkably, after winning the world championship, Barbara retired from showing altogether. With four children at home—and eventually five—she chose to step back so her children could step forward.
Passing the Torch
Barbara didn’t leave the horse world entirely. Her children went on to achieve championship success of their own, with multiple sons and daughters becoming world champions at major horse shows. “It was time for my children,” she says. “So that’s what we did.”
Her competitive spirit also extended beyond horses. Earlier in life, Barbara was an elite swimmer, placing second in the Junior Olympics in the butterfly event—a testament to her lifelong discipline and drive.
Why Crestview Endures
After more than 30 years, Barbara believes Crestview remains one of the best places to live in the Wichita area. “It’s hard to beat Crestview,” she says. “It’s hard to get in, and people want to move here. I can see why—that’s why I don’t leave.”
For Barbara Murphy, Crestview is more than a neighborhood. It’s the backdrop to a life well lived—rich with love, achievement, family, and gratitude. And as she puts it best, she feels simply “blessed” to be exactly where she is.