Maria Concepcion Purkeypile

Maria Purkeypile, 79, formerly of Unionville, MO, and Cincinnati, IA, passed away at St. Luke’s East in Lee’s Summit, Mo, on Monday, July 29, 2019.

Maria Concepcion Purkeypile was born in Panama City, Panama, on October 13, 1939, the daughter of Pablo Rigo and Maria Concepcion (Hernandez) Rigo, who preceded her in death.  She was reared in Panama City and graduated from high school there.  In July of 1959 she married Donald Purkeypile, stationed in Panama in the Air Force, in the Panama Canal Zone.  Maria followed Donald during his 20 year Air Force service, living in several places and caring for her family.  They moved to Unionville upon Donald’s retirement and Maria worked at the Monroe Manor and the Care Center in Unionville.  She also provided in home care for the elderly.  In later years Maria and Donald moved to Cincinnati, IA, where they lived until moving into assisted living in Concordia, MO.

Maria was a pet lover, specifically her dogs.  She also enjoyed baking pies and giving them away.  She liked to talk about news events with people.  But mostly Maria was the matriarch and care giver for her family.  She liked to be involved in their lives and know what was going on with them, all with a mother’s natural worry.  Maria was a member of the Cincinnati United Methodist Church.

Maria is survived by her six children: Dewey Purkeypile of Cincinnati, IA; Paul Purkeypile of Unionville, MO; Ronald Purkeypile of the state of Nevada; Nancy (Chris) Lawrence of Louisville, KY; Evelyn (Brad) Thomas of Gilbert, AZ, and Donna Hiersche (fiancé Herman Kramer) of Alma, MO.  Also surviving are nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren as well as her sisters, Cathy Walters, Maria Dubisky, and Aleida Beazer.

In addition to her parents, Maria was preceded in death by her husband Donald, on October 6, 2017, a son, Timothy Purkeypile, and a sister, Yolanda Deten.

Funeral services for Maria Purkeypile will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2019, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Inurnment will be at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Friendship Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.