Mary Ruth Purkey

Mary Ruth Shell Purkey, age 85, of Lenoir City, passed away on August, 23, 2022. She loved the Lord and was a member of Faithway Baptist Church. She loved square dancing and listening to The Primitive Quartet. She had a great sense of humor and was always trying to get a laugh out of someone. She loved to be the center of attention in every room she entered. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Jane Harvey; first husband, Frank Shell; second husband, Dewey Purkey; sisters, Rosa Harvey, Della Harvey, and Pauline Helton; brothers, Joe Harvey and Troy Harvey, all of Lenoir City, TN; nephews, Johnny Helton of Sweetwater, TN, and Larry Harvey of Cleveland, TN; great-niece, Kim Norman of Lenoir City; and her beloved dog, Snowflake. She is survived by her nephews, Gary and Angela Harvey of Powell, TN, Wayne and Hughwanna Harvey; great- nephews, Devin Lee Harvey, Gary and Lisa Lynn Harvey, Josh and Lindsey Blair, Marty and Tonya Harvey, and Chuck Norman; great-nieces, Lori and Chris Ingram and Tracia and Scott Tidwell; and many other family members. The family will receive friends at Glory Church of Dante on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 6:00pm-8:00pm, with an 8:00pm service to follow, Rev. Kevin Thacker and Rev. Lee Murphy officiating. A viewing will be held at Lenoir City Cemetery from 11:00am-12:00pm on Friday, August 26, 2022, with a 12:00pm graveside service to follow. Online condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.