Edna Purucker, 92
Sept. 19, 1919 —
Jan. 10, 2012

Edna Pearl Purucker, 92, of Edwardsburg, passed to her rest Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at her home after a brief illness.
She was born Sept. 19, 1919, in Wakarusa, Ind., to Vern and Cora (Brenneman) Seese.
Edna graduated from high school and continued her education with one year of college. She worked for Ball Band in the restaurant; in the school cafeteria of Edwardsburg Schools; and at the former Esther’s Cafe in Edwardsburg.
Edna enjoyed her gardening, canning all the veggies for her family. She liked to sew, and always liked cooking big family meals for anyone who might show up. She loved to make homemade pies.
Edna was known as the “neighborhood mom” when her children were younger. It was nothing to find 20 to 30 kids in her backyard in the summer. She enjoyed and loved her family very much and always liked the sunny days.
In the younger years of her life, Edna was a very active member of Granger Missionary Church, just when the church was the “little church in the bend” of State Road 23 in Granger. She was the oldest member of Granger Missionary Church, with more than 65 years of active membership. Her church and its members were dear to her.
She married Homer John Purucker on June 29, 1947. He passed in 2006.
Surviving are their children: Harold Purucker of Edwardsburg; Norma (Harold Jr.) VanDusen of Edwardsburg; and Nila Huston and her friend, Steve Lemons of Michigan City, Ind. There are four loving grandchildren: Timothy (Trina Armstrong) VanDusen of Edwardsburg; Kristy (Charles) McMillin of Mishawaka; Sheila (Dan) Zehr of Allendale, Mich.; and Angela (Rod) Tackett of Elkhart. There are eight dear great-grandchildren: Andrew VanKirk of Edwardsburg; Halle McMillin of Mishawaka; Gavin VanDusen of Edwardsburg; Kylie McMillin of Mishawaka; Branden McMillin of Mishawaka; Abigale Zehr of Allendale; Carter Zehr of Allendale; and Addison McMillin of Mishawaka. She has a surviving sister, Nellie Connell of Mishawaka.
Family who have passed include: her husband, Homer; her parents; her daughter-in-law, Carrie Purucker, in 2008; a great-grandson, Randall McMillin, in 1997; her two brothers Warren and Carl Seese; and five sisters, Mary Blosser, Evidean Roth, Velma Wisler, Grace Cassel and Vivian Knisley.
Family and friends gathered Friday, Jan. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Granger Missionary Church, 50841 Birch Rd., for fellowship with the family.
The service of remembrance was held  Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at the church, where all gathered one hour before services. Officiating was the Rev. Earl Smith, pastor.
Burial followed in Edwardsburg Cemetery.
It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to Granger Missionary Church.
Arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.