Mary K. Purdy was born in Burns on Oct. 27, 1929 to Earl and Mary Miller. She passed away on Nov. 26, 2021 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Mary and her brother, Earl, Clyde and Buster grew up at Oregon End Ranch. She went to school in Denio, Burns and Crane. 

She then attended business college in Nampa and worked in Burns until she met and married George W. Purdy in 1949.

They ranched near Silvies Valley until they moved to the Baker Ranch near burns where they ran a dairy for a short time then switched to beef cattle.

Mary stayed with her folks in Juntura when George was drafted into th Army and sent to Germany. Their daughter Kathy was born in 1955. They then lived a short time in Colorado Springs.

Mary was a fine seamstress and a wonderful cook. Many crews enjoyed her meals over the years and she won many ribbons at the Harney County Fair, where she and George volunteered many hours either at the Rodeo or the Fair.

She loved fishing, enjoyed antiques and remembered who went to school when and who was related to who until her death.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Kathy; grandchildren, Angie Courtney (Travis), Michael Elsbury (Meaghan), and Shaun Elsbury; great-granddaughters, Peyton and Lauren Courtney.

Remembrances can be made to the charity of one’s choice.