Orpha Hurst

Orpha Hatfield Hurst passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the age of 86.  She was born in Maysville, KY on February 7, 1933 to the late Goebel and Anna Mae (Updike) Hatfield.  She grew up in Orangeburg, KY and graduated from Orangeburg High School in 1952.  On January 24, 1953 she married the love of her life, Homer Hurst Sr.

She was a homemaker, caregiver and gardener among many things during her lifetime.  You could see her in her garden or on her lawnmower most days.  In addition to raising her own four children, she and Homer Sr. fostered 53 children throughout their lives.  She baby-sat for numerous children within the community over the years, and was known as Mamaw everywhere she went. Many people from miles around have enjoyed her cooking and hospitality.  All were welcome at Mamaw’s house.

Orpha enjoyed watching the birds around her house, particularly the robins and hummingbirds.  She was an avid sports fan, the Fleming County Panthers and UK her most favorite.  She loved fishing, especially with her grandchildren.  She was a member of the Wallingford United Methodist Church and enjoyed the time she spent with her Church family as well.

She was named the Gazette’s Mother of the Year in May of 1991.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Homer Hurst Sr., and their children, Judy (Dennis) Crowder of Oxford, FL, Roger (Judy) Hurst of Wallingford, KY, Homer (Markey) Hurst Jr. of Wallingford, and Amanda McCord of Alexandria, KY. She is survived by ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  Recently all her great-grandchildren were together for the first time visiting, and Orpha said it was just like a day in heaven.  She is also survived by four step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandhcildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, listed above, a brother Clyde Hatfield, sisters Juanita Hamm and Leona Waggoner, step-brother Harry Maddox, and a granddaughter, Rebecca Kay Hurst.

Funeral services will be held at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home in Flemingsburg, KY on Thursday, August 8 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Cindy Baker and Rev. Ricky Hurst officiating.

Orpha will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

The family has requested that donations be made to the Foster Parents Association Christmas Party (C/O Jodi Grannis, 205 Dugan Lane, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041).

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com

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