Mary M. Purkeypile, 71, of Savoy, passed away at 4:50 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Carle Foundation Hospital. A memorial reception will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21st at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.

Mary was born July 22, 1945 in Anthony, Kansas to parents Harry and Ruth (Curry) Baker. She met her future husband, Dale Purkeypile, their freshman year at Emporia State University in Kansas. They quickly became enamored with each other, and on August 12, 1967, became united in matrimony. This coming August would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary. Though Dale was deployed shortly after their marriage, he and Mary maintained their newlywed love through the letters they wrote one another.

Along with her beloved husband, Mary is survived by two daughters: Amanda Purkeypile and her partner, Espen, of Oswego, Illinois and Nikki Purkeypile and her partner, Robin, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Survivors also include sister, Carlene VanEtten (Glen), two grandsons, Darren Eli and William Dale Mancke, sister-in-law, Rita Carolyn Harding (Mike), and nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Purkeypile received her Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Emporia State University. In her later years, she worked as a special education teacher at Pavilion Behavioral Health Center in Champaign. She received so much satisfaction through her work with the children. She offered kindness and patience to students in their time of vulnerability.

Mary and Dale attended Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign, where they made many wonderful friends. Mary was the embodiment of joy and love. She will be dearly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary's memory to the St. Jude Children's Hospital. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com .