Kay Ann Purdy, 81 of Gillespie, died at Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 9:15 pm. She was born on July 22, 1941, in East Chicago, IN to Henry Wagner and Irma Johanntosettel.
She was married to and divorced from the father of her four children. She then married Theodore “Ted” Cummings on December 29, 1989, and he passed away in August 1998. Then she married Alfred “Chick” Purdy on June 2, 2010. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2020.
Kay enjoyed eating out, dancing, and playing Scrabble. She enjoyed watching American Idol, The Bachelor, and St. Louis Cardinals on TV. Kay enjoyed trips to Branson and Walt Disney World. She loved every member of her large family and hosted a big Christmas party for them for about 35 years. It included eating, signing, playing games, taking pictures, and all day entertainment by the kids.
She worked as a cashier at the Diamond’s Restaurant and Nickerson’s Restaurant. She also traveled to several states as a survey research interviewer for the National Institute of Health and Gallup Poll and Harris Interactive and Institute of Consumer Studies for 10 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gillespie.
She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Middleton of Benld, Shari (Richard) Overturf of Eagarville, and Lori Keller of Mt Olive; son, Randy (Lesly) Estell of Mt Olive; grandchildren, Trisha, Crystal, Billy, Davy, Melisa, Selena, Jiles, Stormee, Shelby, Travis, and Olivia; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and niece, Jennifer (Rogier) Stephenson.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; grandchildren, Shane and Micheal; sister, Carol (Wagner) Rogier; and one brother in infancy.
Friends may call on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at First United Methodist Church of Gillespie from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 12:00 pm at First United Methodist Church of Gillespie.
Burial will be at Gillespie Cemetery, Gillespie, IL. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Gillespie or Gillespie – Benld Area Ambulance Service. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.