Lela May Purdy, the daughter of Peter John Charley Klaumann and Millie Anna (Worman) Klaumann, was born November 20, 1922 at Belleville, KS and passed away on August 21, 2013 at Republic County Hospital at the age of 90 years, 9 months, and one day.
Lela grew up and attended the local public school of Belleville, graduating from Belleville High School. Following her schooling, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She later worked part time at Riddlebarger Jewelry Store part time and also at K & W Drug Company both at Belleville.
On Oct. 9, 1944, she was united in marriage to Robert E. Purdy and to this union was born Charlotte Marie, Jennifer Ann, and Andrew Charles. The couple made their home in Belleville where Lela was a homemaker.
Lela was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women at Belleville, the Belleville Victory F.C.E.; Order of the Eastern Star Ophel Chapter No. 115 of Belleville where she was a past Worthy Matron.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert E. Purdy in 1994, daughter; Charlotte Gjersvig in 2013; sister, Doris Lee, brother-in-law, Olen Harber, and son-in-law, Dudley Gjersvig.
Lela is survived by one son, Andrew Purdy and wife Renee of Salina, KS, one daughter Jennifer Zenger and husband Nick of Cuba, KS; one sister Jean Harber of Belleville, KS; five grandchildren: Drew Zenger and wife Rachel of Haddam, KS,
Allyne Purdy and Shannon Purdy both of Salina, KS; Amy Darveau and husband Damien and Nathan Gjersvig all of Invergrove Heights, MN one great grandson: Devin Darveau of Invergrove Heights, MN; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Cremation was selected and memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, Belleville, KS with Pastor Emily Meckley, officiating.
Eastern Star services will be conducted by O.E. S. Chapter No. 115, Belleville, KS.
Inurnment will be at the Belleville Cemetery.
Friends may sign the register book from One PM until Nine PM on Friday at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home.
Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.