Obits April 15

Margie Purcell, 74

Mrs. Margie Purcell, 74, of Portales, died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at her home.

She was born on Dec. 14, 1929, in Melrose, to Bessie Mae and Charles R. Vance.

She attended school at McAlister and House, and graduated from Melrose High School in 1948. She married Bill Purcell on June 6, 1948, near McAlister. They ranched at Endee near San Jon until 1974 when they moved to the Arch community. From 1983 until 2001 she and her husband were the managers of Golden Acres apartments in Portales. Family members said she was an excellent cook and baker and was an accomplished seamstress. She once made 18 German chocolate cakes for a school fund raiser. She was a founder of the Wagonwheel Cowbelles in Quay County, and served as State Secretary of New Mexico Cowbelles. She was a member of the Third and Kilgore Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband; two sons, Jim Purcell (and wife, Vickie) of Big Spring, Texas, and Jeff Purcell (Shellie) of Farmington; a daughter, Linda Russell (Jim) of Portales; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Russell (Becky), Jennie Russell, Cody Purcell (Reka), Lance Purcell (Carolina), John Purcell, Brandi Wilde (Stuart), Anthony Bishop and Dana Bishop; three great-grandchildren, Logan Purcell, Liam Russell and Catalina Purcell; two brothers, Gary Vance (Marilyn) of San Leandro, Calif., and Bob Vance of Ykera, Calif.; and a sister, Ava Winget (Dale) of Flemington, N.J.

David Bennett will officiate the services.

Burial will be at San Jon Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Craig Cosner, Bob Frost, Roger Bowe, Eric Rusk, Bob Fox, Russell Bowe, Frank Rusk and Zeke Frost.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.

Services are at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Third and Kilgore Church of Christ in Portales.