Susan Kay Purvis, 69, of Osage Beach, was born on August 5, 1953, in Crocker, the eldest child of Dillard Wayne and Norma C. (Frazier) Wilkes. She departed this life on Sunday, July 23, 2023 in the University Hospital, Columbia. Not content to die quietly, Suzy left in a spectacular manner which will be heralded in song and story by her family for generations to come.

Susan was baptized as a young girl while attending church camp and was a member of the Crocker Christian Church. She was a 1971 graduate of Crocker High School. She was united in marriage while mounted atop her Harley-Davidson motorcycle to George Ivan "Van" Purvis II, a handsome, red-headed rogue. She was preceded in death by her charming husband, her father, and her son, Dennis Lively. (Not all at once.)

Susan's career reflected her adventurous and caring spirit. She worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for Lake Ozark and Osage Beach, the Osage Beach Police Department, and as a security guard. She filled her down-time with other ways to help people by working as a volunteer firefighter, rescue diver, and an instructor. She ended her heroic and valiant career at Lake Regional Hospital in emergency room registration and triage.

Susan was famous for her sense of humor, her kind heart, and her giving nature. Her spirit held a lust for life that her body could not maintain.

Those left to mourn the passing but cherish the memories of Susan include: her mother, Norma Howell, Crocker; her siblings, Carol (David) Crumley, Pueblo West, Colorado; Jacqueline (Tony) Loveall, Georgetown, Indiana; Dale (Mari-Jo) Wilkes, Holts Summit, and Mary (Gary) Kenny, Jefferson City; her daughter and son-in-law, Jenifer Purvis-Dierks and Bob Dierks, Columbia; four grandchildren, Alex, Brianna, Jordan, and Nathan; three great-grandchildren, Kairi, Khloe, and Zack; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Crocker Christian Church on Friday July 28 at 2:00 p.m., with a lunch beforehand.