Verna L. Purvis, 92, formally of Memphis, Missouri, died December 20, 2013 at Westbrook Residential Care Facility in Kearney, Missouri. She was born in Scotland County, Missouri, near Hitt, on July 6, 1921, to Charles Edlin and Ada Janette Gristy Peck. She graduated from Memphis High School, Class of 1941. Verna was united in marriage to Leland W. Howard on April 14, 1942 and to this union ten children were born. She married William R. Purvis on January 23, 1971, in Edina, Missouri. Bill preceded her in death on September 14, 2011. Verna was employed by the Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, working in the operating room for nineteen years until her retirement in 1999. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, having served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector and was very active in the St. John Ladies Guild. Verna was an avid reader and always strived to deepen her faith. Survivors include her children: Lea Ann Hughes of Norman, Oklahoma; Debbie Shepherd of Laurie, Missouri; Annette Schwab and her husband, Fred Schwab, of Kearney, Missouri; Stephen Howard of Katy, Texas; David Howard and his wife, Debbie, of Cherow, Colorado; Douglas Howard and his wife, Becky, of Abilene, Texas; Jon Howard and his wife, Erica, of Isle Wright, England and Joe Howard of Branson, Missouri. Other survivors include twenty six grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, forty one great grandchildren, four great- great grandchildren; four sisters: Mary M. Russell of Des Moines, Iowa; Joy Musgrove of Gorin, Missouri; Joanna Shelley of Memphis, Missouri and Judy Michael of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a brother, Gerald Peck, of Florence, South Carolina; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Carlos Peck and Cecil C. Peck; two sisters: Verlee Clark and Jewel Flemming, one son, Leland Sonny Howard and three grandchildren: Todd Howard, Kelly Howard and Rebecca Howard.