Sharon Ramona Purlee

In Loving Memory of Sharon Ramona McMahel Purlee
Sharon Ramona McMahel Purlee, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor, took her last breath in the peaceful comfort of her cherished farmhouse on Big Spring Road - the home she loved for over 63 years - on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Fittingly, her family had gathered after church for one more Sunday dinner with "Mama," just the way she always loved it. Surrounded by her loved ones, Sharon left this world the way she lived in it: deeply connected to those who meant everything to her.
Born on August 25th, 1939 on a farm north of Depauw to Minnie Charlotte and Amel McMahel, Sharon was raised in Harrison County. Sharon attended Depauw Grade School, New Salisbury School, and graduated from North Central High School in Ramsey, as Salutatorian, in 1957. Sharon was also a proud graduate of Indiana University, where she earned her teaching degree and later pursued a Master's in Counseling. She taught high school business and typing for many years, shaping young minds with patience and purpose. Sharon moved to Washington County in 1963 when she married the love of her life, Roy Purlee. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and love - raising their four children on the dairy farm they ran side by side. Sharon and Roy shared 53 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2016.
To know Sharon was to love her. She was a doer - endlessly giving, fiercely loyal, and always finding ways to serve others. Her life was a masterclass in compassion, commitment, and community. She poured her heart into every role she held - as a longtime 4-H leader, a proud and active member of Big Spring Church of Christ, and a devoted member of the Christopher Harrison Chapter of the DAR. Whether she was honoring veterans, writing cards that lifted spirits, or placing flags on soldiers' graves, Sharon's patriotism and sense of duty were unwavering. But perhaps her most lasting lessons were taught outside the classroom - in the kitchen, at church, at community events, and around her family table. She ran a successful catering business for over 20 years, delighting many with her homemade meals. Her yeast rolls - made without a recipe and always perfect - became a legend in their own right.
Family was the heart of Sharon's world. Her children - David Purlee, Stephen Purlee (Stacey), Martha Moore (Steve), and Leah Starrett (Josh) - were her constant joy, and she poured her love, wisdom, and strength into their lives. Her twelve grandchildren - Laura Kiesler (Brock), Weston Purlee (Riley), Malachi Moore (Bailey), Quentin Purlee, Holly Purlee, Lucas Purlee, Sawyer Starrett, Mason Moore, Dallis Starrett, Mattie Moore, Eliza Starrett, and Elsie Starrett - and her great-grandchildren - Hackman Kiesler, Josie Moore, and Roy Kiesler - were the lights of her life. She never missed a chance to cheer them on, show up, and make each one feel uniquely loved.
She adored her family, but her love reached far beyond blood. Sharon was the neighbor everyone could count on, the friend who never forgot a birthday, and the soul who quietly made the world a little better, one good deed at a time. From Indiana basketball games to her blooming poppies each May, Sharon brought color and warmth to every corner of her life.
Even after her stroke in 2021, when the roles reversed and Sharon became the one cared for, she faced each day with grace, courage, and quiet faith. Her children, grandchildren, and devoted caregivers surrounded her with the same love and attention she had so freely given to others her whole life.
The impact Sharon made is immeasurable. Her legacy is one of service, strength, love, and unwavering faith.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Purlee; her father, Amel McMahel; mother, Charlotte Elliott McMahel Seitz; stepfather, Charlie Seitz; and sisters, Vivian Payne and Wilma Conrad.
Visitation will be held from 2pm to 8pm on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at Love Funeral Home in Palmyra, IN, and again on Thursday October 23, from 9am to 11am at Big Spring Church of Christ in Pekin, IN.
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday October 23, 2025 at Big Spring Church of Christ.
She leaves behind a family who adored her, a community who cherished her, and a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the DAR Carol Weatherholt 21219 Greenville Borden Rd. Borden, IN 47106.
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