Imogene L. "Gene" Orpurt

Imogene L. Orpurt, 89, of Niles, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at home with her family at her side.

Imogene Renbarger Orpurt was born on October 25, 1935, to Gilbert and Effie Arlene (Warman) Renbarger in Galien, Michigan. She graduated from Buchanan High School with the Class of 1953. On September 14, 1957, she married the love of her life, Elton A. Orpurt Jr. Together, they built a life rooted in love, service, and unwavering Christian faith.

Imogene was a true example of what it means to live a Christ-centered life. Her deep faith guided everything she did, and she was known for her gentle spirit, warm heart, and steadfast devotion to God. She faithfully attended and sang in the choir at First United Methodist Church, using her gifts to glorify the Lord and uplift those around her. Gene also sponsored Emmaus and DeColores walks and baked 100s of dozens of cookies in support of prison ministries.

Professionally, Imogene played a key role in operating Orpurt's Inc. in Buchanan. After relocating to Tennessee in 1986, she continued her professional journey as an executive assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

A woman of compassion and service, Imogene gave generously of her time and talents. She was active in the Buchanan Jaycees, led many Girl Scout troops, supported local education through the Parent Teacher Association at Moccasin School, and was involved with the Miss Buchanan pageant for many years. In her later years she volunteered with Lakeland Hospital Auxiliary.

Imogene also had a creative spirit. She enjoyed knitting, embroidery, sewing, baking, nurturing her many plants, and collecting antiques. She could often be found working on crossword puzzles or crafting something with love. There were races to get a piece of her famous butterscotch pie!

Above all, Imogene cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She also loved her many nieces and nephews. Family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent together, especially their many camping trips.

Imogene is survived by her children, Kari Orpurt-Roberts, Kraig (Barbara) Orpurt, Katrina (Paul Metz) Marx, and Kurt (Dawn) Orpurt; grandchildren, Joshua (Krystal) Roberts, Jenna Roberts, Garett (Kyla) Orpurt, Grace (Tate) Schrock, Madison (Tyler) Rodewig, Makenzie (Dominic) Davis; eight great-grandchildren; sister, JoAnne Striegle; bonus sons, Eddie Roberts and Christpoher Angelo Morris and special family members, Roxanne Lotsbaich-Crum and Rick & Becky LaFerrier along with many others that made a home with the Orpurt family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Arlene Renbarger and her husband of 67 years, Elton Orpurt Jr.; siblings, Phyllis Watson, Kenneth Renbarger, James Renbarger, Veldoris Marilyn Matthews, Sally Phillippi and Nancy Morris.

A celebration of life service will take place at 3 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Visitation with the family will be two hours prior, from 1-3 pm also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to RAM, Redbud Area Ministries, Buchanan Michigan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team at Elara Caring Hospice for the compassionate and dedicated care they gave to Imogene and Al.