Carolyn Ann Purple

Carolyn Ann (Raker) Purple, 71, of Spring Bay, IL passed away at 1:51 pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at her son's home. She was surrounded by all of her family and went Home from this world with much love. Carolyn was born on July 27,1944 to Claire "Ted" and Mildred Young. She was adopted into the loving home of Bruce and Jennie Raker and grew up in Summum, Illinois. She married the love of her life, Frank Purple, on December 24, 1964 in Peoria, Illinois. After 45 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on March 5, 2010. Surviving are her son John (Dawn) Purple of Spring Bay; daughter Julie (Bill) Saathoff of East Peoria; grandchildren Jamie (Dan) Zilm, Jordan (Ashley) Thaller, Justin Thaller, Jade Purple, Jayla Purple, Jaycee Purple, John Purple, Jessica (Joshua) Miller, Brandon Saathoff, Jennifer Saathoff and Jillian Saathoff; great-grandchildren Drew, Chase, Jayleigh, Caden, Bella, Hailey, Addison and Liam; sister Kathy Taylor; and brothers Charles (Alesha) Purple, Dan (Marguerite) Purple, Thomas (Phyliss) Purple, and James (Ellen) Purple. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Michael, and her sister Glynda. Carolyn worked for 32 years for the Social Security Administration as a claims representative in both Peoria and Pekin, Illinois, retiring in 1998. Carolyn was a member of RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay, IL. Carolyn served as secretary for Izaak Walton League of Peoria for a number of years. She enjoyed boat rides, reading mystery novels, playing solitaire and spending time with her family. Carolyn had a loving, generous, and beautiful heart and was loved by everyone who knew her. She loved her family most of all and she will be very missed. Her greatest gift was her kindness and we were blessed to have her in our lives. She had a fighting spirit and overcame many obstacles in her life. After injuries she sustained in a car accident, she spent 32 years in a wheelchair. She is finally free. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and to extend special thanks to her home health nurse, Julie, and her hospice nurse, Tammy, for their kindness. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 11:00 am at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Reverend Andy Hoppe officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel and also one hour prior to services on Thursday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Springdale Mausoleum in Peoria. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Peoria Chapter Izaak Walton League or to the American Legion Post #1115. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.