Julia Marie Purdue

Julia Marie Purdue

November 17, 1927 - November 10, 2023

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Julia Marie Purdue on Friday, November 10, 2023, one week shy of her 96th birthday.

Julia was born to Frank and Sophie (Paproski) Grymaloski on November 17, 1927, on the family farm North of Raymore on Section 17-30-18 W2 in the Poplarview School District. She was the fourth child of six children; having had four sisters and one brother: Agnes (Harris), Eva (Stoehr), Louis Grymaloski, Lucy (Bart), Martha (Maxwell), all of whom have predeceased her.

Julia was predeceased by husband Ken (1996), sons Lyle (1989) and Barry (2018). Left to cherish memories are her daughter-in-law Marcella and children Ryan (Lindsay), Scott (Colleen); son Dennis (Julie) and children Daria, Erin (Ryan), Denna (Joe), Kristina (Logan), step-children Kevin and Lori; daughter-in-law Sharon (Joe) and children Sean (Dawn), Derek; daughter Judy and son Michael; son Keith (JoAnn) and children Brandon (Brittany), Shayne (Brooklyn); as well as 21 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Also survived by brothers-in-law Herbert Stoehr and Charlie Maxwell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Growing up Julia enjoyed working hard on the farm alongside her dad and brother Louis. She referred to herself as one of her Dad’s right hand men, much preferring outside work instead of inside chores. This changed on May 2, 1948, when she married Ken Purdue and moved to the Purdue farm South of Raymore. Julia always said it was like moving to the desert as the yard had no trees, so she planted every tree in the farmyard. Her role switched from Dad’s right-hand man to learning (and mastering) being a farm wife, mother, baker, seamstress, gardener, etc., etc. And in later years grandmother. Julia resided on the farm for 73 years, only moving to Eastview Lodge in Raymore in May 2021, when a fire destroyed the farmyard which was registered as a Century Farm in 2019.

Keith, JoAnn, Brandon and Shayne resided in the same yard as Julia. A few years following Ken’s death they swapped houses with Julia living in the trailer and Keith and family moving to the Big House in fall of 1999. Living in the same yard was convenient for both; Julia helping with the boys and anything that might pop up, and in later years them helping Julia with the care and help she needed to continue to live on her own. Julia was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Selfless to a fault, always putting the needs of others before her own. She enjoyed the many gatherings of family, friends and neighbors that were shared over the years.

Julia and Ken loved to travel. Countless memories were made on their many road trips throughout Canada and the US. Ken the pilot. Julia the co-pilot following along the map ensuring they would get where they were going. They especially enjoyed the many trips made West to visit the Edmonton and Prince George Purdue's. Following Ken’s death Julia continued to travel enjoying Hawaii with her sister Lucy, a couple of US bus tours with friends, family trips to Deadwood, SD and San Antonio, Texas as well as routine bus trips to Regina and Yorkton casinos with friends. (She had the Midas touch too!!) Even in her later years while able, if there was any sort of event happening, she'd be game to go.

After suffering a fall at the end of August 2023, Julia’s health deteriorated quickly. She was unable to live on her own any longer, spending the last couple of months as a resident at Raymore Silver Heights Care Home, where she passed away.

The family is forever grateful for the excellent care and friendship she received in her brief stays in Wynyard Hospital, Last Mountain Pioneer Home in Strasbourg and Raymore Silver Heights Special Care Home.

Mom is now at rest with family and friends who have gone before her. We are thankful for the many years we had Mom with us, and all the wisdom she taught us. A life well lived. Forever in Our Hearts. RIP Mom.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday November 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Raymore United Church. Lunch to follow service. Burial of cremated remains will be done at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Raymore United Church, Raymore Municipal Protestant Cemetery or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Conley Funeral Home, Raymore, SK. 1-306-746-1000