Beth Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bleachers and friend of Eddie Vedder, Bonnie Hunt and occasional thorn in side of Cubs, dead at 68

Wrigley Field rooftop owners George Loukas, owner of Cubby Bear, Sports Corner and Vines, left, and Beth Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bleachers, at a community meeting with the team over signs blocking their view in 2013. She understood the relationship between the neighborhood and the Cubs and advocated for the neighborhood. (Rich Hein/Sun-Times file)

Beth Murphy was more than the owner of Murphy’s Bleachers, a tavern with rooftop seating across from Wrigley Field, she was an icon in the neighborhood around the ballpark.

She was chosen as a spokeswoman among rooftop owners in their battle with the Cubs over signage that might block their view, but also advocated for business owners and residents alike when it came to renovating the ballpark, introducing concerts and expanding the number of night games at the Friendly Confines.