Phyllis Eileen Purdy, 83, North Manchester, passed away on March 29, 2021, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale, Fla. Born July 17, 1937, in North Manchester, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Calvin Irvin and Gertrude M. (Garrison) Burkhart.

Three short years after graduating from Chester High School in 1955, Phyllis married Richard Purdy on June 8, 1958. In the early 1960s she began her professional career in the Manchester Community School System. She started as a Teachers Aid and eventually became the Treasurer of Manchester Community Schools. After many years of service, Phyllis retired in 1998. After retiring, she and Richard wintered in Winter Haven, Florida. For nearly sixty-three years Phyllis and Richard built a wonderful life and family together.

Phyllis was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a special gift for empowering others, lifting the spirits of those around her. She was soft-spoken, thoughtful, selfless, and supportive to her family, friends, and others. Phyllis always saw the good in people. Even while enduring the challenges of a painful physical condition, she was light-hearted and had a smile on her face.

When it came to Phyllis’s grandchildren, she and Richard never missed their sporting events, graduations, or other activities. To her children and grandchildren, she was the wonderful example of what a kind, caring, compassionate person should be. Phyllis lived her life as a faithful Christian. On Sundays, she and Richard could be found at Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester, where they both were members.

Phyllis’s giggles and loving memories will be forever cherished by her husband, Richard Purdy, North Manchester; sons: David (Caryn) Purdy, Denver, N.C.; and Michael (Jackie) Purdy, Miamisburg, Ohio; daughter, Pamela (Ron) Stopher, Fort Wayne; sister, Anita (William) Snep, North Manchester; grandchildren, Ryan (Melissa) Purdy, Shepherd, Michigan, Susan (Eric Groh) Purdy, Indianapolis; Christa Purdy, Hudsonville, Mich.; Marc Purdy, Cullowhee, N.C.; Amanda (Ryan) Davis, Findley, Ohio; Laura Purdy, Miamisburg, Ohio; and Emily Stopher, Fort Wayne; greatgrandchildren: Violet Davis, Findley, Ohio; Garrett Davis, Findley, Ohio; and Clara Groh, Indianapolis. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Gertrude Burkhart.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 2 p.m. May 15, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester. Pastor Sebrena Cline and Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Phyllis Eileen Purdy, memorial contributions may be made to the Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.

The family of Phyllis Eileen Purdy has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements