Murphys resident Josephine Heatley Ware died Sept. 17 at her home. She was 79.

She was born and raised in Alameda.

She then married and moved to Walnut Creek, where she raised six children and lived for 34 years.

Mrs. Ware worked for the Contra Costa County Fire District in Walnut Creek for 24 years before retiring and moving to Blue Canyon. As her health declined, she moved to Murphys.

She is survived by her children Carol DeGraffenreid of Jamestown, Patricia Ware, of Murphys, Susan Harmuth, of Avery, Mitch Ware, of New Mexico, and Dewaine Ware,of Murphys, and by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her son, Todd Christopher Ware.

Her family is planning a wake on Saturday.

Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.