Doris Purdy

Doris Wikle Purdy, 93, died peacefully on January 24, 2015 at Rosegate Village in Indianapolis. She was born on July 29, 1921 to William E. and Anna Ansberry Wikle in Anderson, Indiana. She had two brothers, Adrian (six years older) and Gerald (twelve years older). When Doris was eight her mother died, and then her father died when she was thirteen. Doris spent the rest of her childhood living with various relatives. She graduated from Anderson High School in 1939 and moved to Indianapolis sometime after that. During World War II she tested airplane engines for Allison Engine. After the war she was secretary to the head of Indiana State Police. In 1946 she married Gerald C. Purdy (an attorney). As mentioned previously, Doris had a brother also named Gerald and his wife was also named Doris! Fortunately, Doris's husband went by "Jerry" and she was known as "little Doris" to her brother. Doris later became secretary to Dr. Richard Lancaster, the senior minister at Meridian Street United Methodist Church where she was a longtime member. She was also a 50+ year member of PEO Sisterhood. She loved crossword puzzles, card games, church activities, and spending time with her family and friends. Doris was stricken with Alzheimer's disease but she remained beautiful and always had a smile and a greeting for everyone she encountered. Whenever she was asked how she was, her standard reply was "Lazy as ever"! Doris is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Michael Wetzel of Indianapolis, her grandson and his wife, Jay and Chelsey Wetzel, and a great granddaughter. A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, Arpil 29, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. with calling from 1 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Meridain Street United Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46220