Purdy

Kay Ann Purdy, 81, of Gillespie, Ill., died at Community Hospital of Staunton on Friday, May 19, 2023. She was born July 22, 1941, in East Chicago, Ind., to Henry Wagner and Irma Johanntosettel. She was married to and divorced from the father of her four children. She then married Theodore "Ted" Cummings on Dec. 29, 1989, and he died in August 1998. Then she married Alfred "Chick" Purdy on June 2, 2010. He preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 2020.

She worked as a cashier at the Diamond's Restaurant and Nickerson's Restaurant. She also traveled to several states as a survey research interviewer for the National Institute of Health and Gallup Poll and Harris Interactive and Institute of Consumer Studies for 10 years. Kay enjoyed eating out, dancing, and playing Scrabble. She enjoyed watching American Idol, The Bachelor and St. Louis Cardinals on TV. Kay enjoyed trips to Branson and Walt Disney World. She loved every member of her large family and hosted a big Christmas party for them for about 35 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gillespie.

She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Middleton of Benld, Shari (Richard) Overturf of Eagarville, Lori Keller of Mt. Olive; son, Randy (Lesly) Estell of Mt. Olive; grandchildren, Trisha, Crystal, Billy, Davy, Melisa, Selena, Jiles, Stormee, Shelby, Travis, Olivia; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and niece, Jennifer (Rogier) Stephenson. Kay was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; grandchildren, Shane, Micheal; sister, Carol (Wagner) Rogier; and one brother in infancy.

Friends may call on Thursday, May 25, at First United Methodist Church of Gillespie from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Funeral services follow at 12 noon at the church. Burial will be at Gillespie Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Gillespie or Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.