Memorial

Frances Lyola Purdy, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, March 04, 2018 at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 10:30 am Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 4-6 pm Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Frances was born November 14, 1928, the daughter of Samuel and Amanda (Toomey) Smith, in Independence, Iowa. She graduated from St. John’s High School in Independence and went on to study at Mount Mercy College to obtain her business degree. On July 31, 1950 she was married to Ralph Purdy at Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids. They were married for almost sixty years. He passed away in 2010. 

Frances worked for the Cedar Rapids Carton Company and the Cedar Rapids Gazette for several years as a typist. She and Ralph met at a dance at the Armar Ballroom and continued to enjoy dancing through the years, belonging to the Harmonious Fifty and Congenial One Hundred Dance clubs.  Frances also belonged to St. Ann’s Circle and volunteered weekly in the church office at St. Pius X, where she and Ralph were founding members. 

She enjoyed many trips to California and Hawaii, garage sales, picnics, and Dairy Queen soft serve vanilla ice cream. More than anything, Frances loved spending time with her family and friends. 

Survivors include her four children, Barbara Kohn, Laurie (Brian) Cover, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Purdy, Dennis (Janelle) Purdy; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Hallie) Kohn, Andrew (Jeni) Kohn, Jessica and Valerie Purdy, Mathew Cover, Michael (Debby) Cover, Rachel and Kristen Purdy; and two great-grandsons, Oliver and Marlon Kohn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; parents; two sisters, Mary Klein, Sister Mary Dolora; and one brother, Joseph Smith. 

Memorials may be directed to the St. Pius X Catholic Church in memory of Frances.