Lillian Mildred (Purk) DeHart, 89, St. Joseph, MO
By: Gregory Hurt
Updated: February 7, 2013
Lillian Mildred (Purk) DeHart, age 89, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. Lillian passed away peacefully at home in St. Joseph, MO, surrounded and lovingly cared for by her devoted family. From her birth in Tama, Iowa, on February 1, 1924 to her passing on Tuesday, she nourished those around her with unconditional love, steadfast faith, and abundant laughter. She was born to Frank and Mildred (Loft) Purk, was the third born of four children and grew up in Nevada, Iowa.
As an energetic and spunky young girl, she loved sports and playing outdoors. She enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with "the boys" and always proved successful in her efforts. Later in life, she was able to pass her wisdom on to her great-granddaughters, often telling them, "If you want to play with the boys, there's NO crying!"
On August 21, 1943 Lillian was married and together they had two precious daughters whom she greatly cherished, Annette and Rosemary DeHart.
Lil, as her friends called her, loved being a homemaker and cared with great passion for her home and family. She enjoyed music and dancing, collecting, having lunch with friends, working in her yard and playing cards. She had an insatiable sweet tooth and loved to find a good sale. Her love of animals began at a young age. Lillian had a very special place in her heart for dogs and cats and could always tell you what they were "saying." She was forever joking, forever smiling and brought great joy to those blessed to be in her presence. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and closest friends all hold her in the highest regard for her undying loyalty, gracious generosity, and spirited love of life.
Left to honor Lillian and remember her legacy are her daughter, Annette (Rick) Lott Starks; four grandchildren: Heather Dunham, Steve Lott, Kevin (Kathy) Lott; four great-grandchildren: Allison, Andrew, Adalyn and Anna Lott; Tim Dunham, and sister, Patricia Jensen-Dodds; and her nephews: Wayne Purk, and S. Lars Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Frank and Harry Purk and her beloved daughter, Rosemary Dunham Yocam.
Lil will be remembered as a Christian, a good and faithful servant, and as a Patriot who loved the Lord, her family and her friends with absolute unconditional love.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the staff of Heartland Hands of Hope for their thoughtfulness, attentiveness and loving care.
At Lillian's request, there will be no visitation. The family will hold a private graveside service to celebrate, honor and share their fondest memories of a long life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you please consider making a donation to Heartland Hands of Hope, Ashland United Methodist Church or First Baptist Church.
"I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will carry you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:4
As an energetic and spunky young girl, she loved sports and playing outdoors. She enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with "the boys" and always proved successful in her efforts. Later in life, she was able to pass her wisdom on to her great-granddaughters, often telling them, "If you want to play with the boys, there's NO crying!"
On August 21, 1943 Lillian was married and together they had two precious daughters whom she greatly cherished, Annette and Rosemary DeHart.
Lil, as her friends called her, loved being a homemaker and cared with great passion for her home and family. She enjoyed music and dancing, collecting, having lunch with friends, working in her yard and playing cards. She had an insatiable sweet tooth and loved to find a good sale. Her love of animals began at a young age. Lillian had a very special place in her heart for dogs and cats and could always tell you what they were "saying." She was forever joking, forever smiling and brought great joy to those blessed to be in her presence. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and closest friends all hold her in the highest regard for her undying loyalty, gracious generosity, and spirited love of life.
Left to honor Lillian and remember her legacy are her daughter, Annette (Rick) Lott Starks; four grandchildren: Heather Dunham, Steve Lott, Kevin (Kathy) Lott; four great-grandchildren: Allison, Andrew, Adalyn and Anna Lott; Tim Dunham, and sister, Patricia Jensen-Dodds; and her nephews: Wayne Purk, and S. Lars Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Frank and Harry Purk and her beloved daughter, Rosemary Dunham Yocam.
Lil will be remembered as a Christian, a good and faithful servant, and as a Patriot who loved the Lord, her family and her friends with absolute unconditional love.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the staff of Heartland Hands of Hope for their thoughtfulness, attentiveness and loving care.
At Lillian's request, there will be no visitation. The family will hold a private graveside service to celebrate, honor and share their fondest memories of a long life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you please consider making a donation to Heartland Hands of Hope, Ashland United Methodist Church or First Baptist Church.
"I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will carry you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:4
