Leona Ruth Purdum, 94, a resident of Morgantown, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Feb. 4, 2022, at Madison Center in Morgantown, after a fulfilling life of love, laughter, generosity and kindness. She was predeceased in death by her loving husband of 74 years, Raymond Brandenburg Purdum Jr.
Leona was born Wednesday, Feb. 23, 1927, at Elkins, the daughter of the late Thornton R. Whiteman and Martha C. Whiteman. She was one of 12 children. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Charles Whiteman, Ernest Whiteman, Robert Whiteman, Willard Whiteman, Vesta Clowser, Madeline Crickard, Lois Dye, Marguerite Riffle, Wilma Seitz, Grace Eleanor Vannoy and Lila Whiteman. Leona leaves behind her daughter, Sharon Smethurst, of Kansas City, Miss.; and her two children, Ryan Balsley, of Kansas City, Miss., and Karin Balsley, of Nashville, Tenn.; son Charles, (Susan Bering) Purdum, of Boalsburg, Pa.; and son, Russell (Cynthia Lin) Purdum, of Morgantown, and their son, Branden. Leona leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-grand-nieces and nephews — mostly ancestors of the Whiteman family of Elkins.
Leona graduated from Elkins High School and married her beloved husband Ray “Doc” upon his return from serving our country in the Navy during World War II. They moved to Morgantown so Doc could complete his studies in mechanical engineering at West Virginia University. Leona and Doc then moved to Philadelphia where Doc worked for Philadelphia Electric as an engineer. Leona became a fulltime mother and housekeeper while raising her daughter, Sharon, in Philadelphia. They moved to Fairmont when Doc accepted a position with Allegheny Power Company. Their moves continued to Williamstown, then Kingwood, as Doc rose through the ranks of Allegheny Power Company (now First Energy Corporation).
While raising her three children and decorating their homes during these moves, Leona found time to learn oil painting, pottery, needlepoint, cross stitching and many handcrafts, including creating miniature Fabergé eggs using her incredible creativity and patience. Her “crown jewel” project was designing and building their dream home and gardens in Kingwood. She and husband Doc spent many years building rock gardens, fountains and flower and shrubbery beds inspired by their many trips to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa.
While successful in serving her church and community, nothing was as important as bringing joy and comfort to her husband, Doc. They were inseparable in life and enjoying hobbies including painting, crafts, gardening, stamp collecting, traveling, cooking, puzzles and decorating for the holidays.
The Purdum Family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Harmony of Morgantown, Encompass at Morgantown and Madison Rehabilitation at Morgantown for their compassionate and loving care.
The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins, from 11 a.m. to noon, the funeral hour, on Saturday, Feb. 12. The Rev. Doctor Peter A. Vial will officiate. Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery at Elkins. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Leona Ruth Purdum. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/about).
Condolences:
www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com
