Elizabeth "Bette" Finley Purdy

Elizabeth “Bette” Finley Purdy of Oakland Township, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, age 92, our loving, caring, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, surrounded by her family. Bette was born May 4, 1929 in Jellico, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Hugh P. & Dorothy (McComb) Finley. She grew up in Jellico and upon high school graduation, Bette furthered her education at The University of Kentucky. After college, Bette went to work for her grandfather at The McComb Supply Company. It was also during this time that she agreed to travel to Caro, Michigan with her best friend to go on a blind date with Clark Purdy. After courting for a brief time, the couple fell in love and were united in marriage in Jellico on May 31, 1952. Together they shared almost seventy years of marriage, three wonderful children, and countless memories. Bette was very active with her church, Covenant Presbyterian of Columbus, where she volunteered countless hours, led bible studies, and raised her children with faith being at the forefront of her life. Bette's life was all about her family. She was present at the birth of every grandchild and would stay for weeks after to assist with their care. Bette is remembered as an angel on earth that put the needs of others before her own, always with sincere love and a smile. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and love for her Lord will be cherished for generations. Left to honor her memory are her loving husband, Clark Purdy; three children and their spouses, Fred & Bonnie Purdy of Dublin, Ohio, Leigh Anne & Mike Davidson of Royal Oak, Beth & Chris Poulton of Lexington, Kentucky; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Cole Purdy of Fairbanks, Alaska, Pam Purdy & Morgan Hughes of Columbus, Ohio, Greg Purdy of Columbus, Ohio, Michael & Erin Davidson of Royal Oak, Mary Davidson of Berkley, Mackenzie Davidson of Lexington, Kentucky, Reilly Poulton of Nashville, Tennessee, Jane Poulton of Lexington, Kentucky, John Poulton of Lexington, Kentucky; six great-grandchildren, Paige Purdy, Senna Purdy, Claire Davidson, Clark Davidson, Nora Hughes, and Parker Davidson; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Bette was welcomed home to heaven by her siblings, Dorothy Large, Anne Arrington, and Hugh Finley, Jr. Private family services will be held at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Higgins Lake Property Owner's Association, 211 North Main Street, Roscommon, MI 48653 or Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Road, Columbus, OH 43221.