June 8, 1946 — Dec. 29, 2013

Shirley D. Purdy, age 67 years of Niles, Mich. died at 7:48 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

She was born on June 8, 1946 in Coloma Township, Michigan to Loyd and Ellen Lavinia (Mullen) Tenison. She was graduated from Brandywine High School, and has lived here most of her life. She has been a home health care aide for many, and has been a bartender at several area clubs.

Shirley was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post #26 and the former VFW Post in Niles. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094 in Niles. She enjoyed camping with her family at area resorts, and loved being “Mom” or “Nana” to her children and grandchildren and all of their friends.

She was first married to Raymond Brown, and later married to Kenneth Purdy, who preceded her in death on July 2, 2012. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Deana Holmes-Purdy on Jan. 24, 2005, a son, Gary Brown on August 27, 2010; and by his parents and a brother, Lary Tenison.

Surviving family includes his sons, Raymond Brown, Jr. and Michael (Jody) Purdy, both of Niles; grandchildren Brandi, Dustin, Kenny, Britney, Vanessa, Gary, Jr., Sasha, Michael, Jr., and Casey; great-grandchildren Dusty, Owen, Carter, Steven, Emma Lilly, Adeline, and Landon; and Shirley’s sisters, Kathy Dillman, Joan Panovzo, Donna Tenison, Judy Tenison, brother, Looyd Tenison; many nieces and nephews; and her companion, Ron Lindsley.

The funeral service for Shirley Purdy will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Mr. Del Fehsenfeld of Niles officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 p.m. Contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

www.halbritterfunerals.com