Emma Louise Purkeypile

November 8, 1924 - April 8, 2020

Emma Louise Purkeypile of Eureka, died on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Eureka Nursing Center, in Eureka, at the age of 95. She was born on November 8, 1924, near Severy, Kansas, the daughter of William Guy and Rhoda (Morris) Vanderbilt. She was raised in the Piedmont area and attended local schools. When Emma was 14 her father passed away and the family moved to Eureka. On May 3, 1941, Emma was united in marriage to Doyle Purkeypile in Howard. They made their home in Eureka. To this union, five children were born. Emma managed the office of Purkeypile Construction for many years. Doyle preceded her in death on March 7, 2000. She was a member of the Eureka Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She is survived by her children, Ellen Martin of Jasper, Arkansas; Marsha Lawinsky of Abilene, Kansas; Allan Purkeypile of Eureka, Kansas; and Dean Purkeypile of Linwood, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Don Veldon Purkeypile; and her siblings: Edwin Guy Vanderbilt; Dr. William Henry Vanderbilt; Alice Viola Burbach; Carrie Nix; and Florence M. Vanderbilt. Immediate burial was held at Greenwood Cemetery, in Eureka. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Koup Family Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.