Christine R Abel Purvis

Christine Rachel Abel Purvis, age 101, passed away peacefully with her children by her side, on Thursday, March 18, 2021

Our mother was born in Weston, Idaho, on June 9, 1919 to Harold Abel and Lila Jensen Abel.  She had one younger sister, who passed away in 2015.  Their mother died of cancer and their father died in a car accident when these little girls were three and two years old.   Christine and Maxine were lovingly raised by their maternal danish grandmother and uncle “Bonno” who married aunt rose who also loved these girls.  They had a wonderful life growing up in Weston.

She moved with her family to Parma, Idaho, and there met earl Leo Purvis at a dance.  Christine married our dad on September 19, 1941, in Billings MT., where he was working.  They moved to Nyssa, Oregon to set up a home and new job opportunity; however, Pearl Harbor was bombed in December and in January, 1941, dad was inducted into the army to serve his country in WWII.  Mother was expecting their first child and sent her newly married husband off to parts unknown, praying he would return.  In 1956, they moved to Utah, along with their two girls, Valerie and Sheila, where a son, Brian, joined the family

Christine was an avid reader and would often share these stories with her children, keeping them mesmerized for hours.  She could also outsmart anyone on a crossword puzzle.  She loved telling stories about growing up on a farm in Weston, was known for her hilarious comments and her fierce dedication to her family.  She was an excellent homemaker, seamstress and worked harder than most people.  She could make a dollar stretch further than anyone we knew.  She often reminded us that no matter how small your paycheck, you could always save, if only $5.00.

We learned much from this headstrong, opinionated and very smart woman; she was a force to be reckoned with.  She leaves a remarkable legacy of a close-knit family who love her and will miss her.

Preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister (Maxine Smith) and grandsons, Jeff Hammer and Justin Tolman, and granddaughter, Rachelle Tolman.

She is survived by her children – Valerie (Jay) Tolman, Sheila (Bill) Hammer, Brian (Gwyn) Purvis.  Eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and twelve great great grandchildren.

A family graveside service will be held on March 27th at the Bountiful Cemetery.