Charleen Elliott Purdy, 91, of Jamestown, IN passed away peacefully on August 23, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 23, 1930 in Gilpin, Kentucky to G. Lee and Manilla Elliott. Charleen attended Liberty High School in Kentucky and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in education. She also completed her masters degree at Butler University.

Charleen married Delmar Purdy, Jr.  on June 20, 1953. They were blessed with two children, Charla Schoeff and Jeff Purdy.

Charleen started her teaching career at Perry Central, then spent some time teaching in Lizton and North Salem before finding her teaching home at Pittsboro, eventually being a part of Tri-West High School.  She was a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend to many students and staff members.

You could always find Charleen (lovingly known by all who really knew her as Bowsie) in the bleachers at her grandchildren's sporting events, at a table at Dick and Judy's, worshipping at the Jamestown Christian Church, wintering in Okeechobee, and watching the Hoosiers, Reds, and Colts. She was loved and respected by everyone who was blessed to know her.

Charleen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Humphrey Elliott.  She leaves behind her children Charla (Ed) Schoeff and Jeff (Kim) Purdy.  She is also survived by grandchildren Joshua (Autumn) Schoeff, Caryn (Andy) Tinkle, Jill (Carly) Purdy, and Jay (Andrea) Purdy.  She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Hayes and Barrett Tinkle, Maren and Maverick Schoeff, and Elliott and Hayden Purdy.

Family and friends will gather Sunday, August 28th for visitation from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. A funeral service will be held Monday, August 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Charleen will be laid to rest at the Jamestown IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the following: Tri-West Dollars for Scholars PO Box 70 Lizton, IN 46149,  Western Boone Education Foundation (WBEF) PO Box 111 Thorntown, IN 46071, or to the Community Foundation of Wabash County Scholarship - Please place Charleen Purdy in the memo line. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You are invited to visit the website where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.