Marian "Pearl" Purvis

Marian “Pearl” Purvis, age 95, of Anderson, IN, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at Emmons Adult Foster Care Home in Bark River, MI. Pearl was born in Montpelier, IN, on December 11, 1929, to Lora and Chester Oberleas, later moving to Sheridan. Pearl was a loving sister and a good friend to her seven siblings.

After graduating from Sheridan High School, Pearl set out to pursue a career and follow her dreams of travel. She attended Texas Christian University for one year and decided that she would rather eat than study-she could not afford both.
Pearl returned to Indiana and met Richard (Dick) B. Purvis. They married in 1954 and moved to Anderson, IN. Together, they raised four children. After her children started school, Pearl worked at the American Security Loan office until retiring.
Pearl was a very active and involved member of East Lynn Christian Church. The church became the focus of her life and her primary support following her husband’s sudden death in 1984. Pearl was a model of faith and acceptance. The name Pearl suited her—precious, pure, wise, and embodying unconditional love.

In retirement, Pearl explored a variety of passions. She felt boundless joy when using her sewing talent to create countless service projects, beautiful doll clothes, and heirloom quilts for her family. Pearl loved taking classes to develop new craft and sewing skills. At one point, she attended clown school and was delighted to be “Blossom” making balloon animals and walking in parades with her clown friends. Pearl enjoyed browsing cookbooks and selecting new recipes to try. She was an outstanding cook, well-known for her homemade noodles and pies-and family favorites, “Grandma’s Coffee Cake” and “Grandma’s Mac and Cheese”. She really treasured her time with family, especially her grandkids. Pearl loved traveling adventures, sharing them with travel groups, church groups, friends, sisters, and her grandchildren.

Pearl leaves many loved ones behind who will deeply miss her. She is survived by her youngest brother, John Oberleas, her brother-in-law, Glen Heiny, her four children—Bruce Purvis, Kim Schilke, Rick Purvis, and Ben Purvis—11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Thank you to Pearl’s son, Rick, who cared for her during her final years with dementia. Thank you also to the loving staff at Emmons Adult Care Home and UP Hospice.
On Saturday, November 15, Loose Funeral Home will host a celebration to honor Pearl’s life. Friends are welcome to visit from 11 am until noon; her service will start at 12 pm. Pearl will rest next to her husband at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Purvis family with local arrangements.

 

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