Dorothy Marie Cripe (Purdy) May, 91, was born July 23, 1929, and she went into Jesus arms on
January 30, 2021. She was the daughter of Harold and Ethel (Michel) Cripe, both deceased. Her
siblings were Keith Cripe, now deceased, and Ernest Cripe of Laketon, Indiana. She lived in North
Manchester all her life, until retiring to Florida, and then returned to Timbercrest in North
Manchester a year ago. Dorothy married her Chester High school Sweetheart, Joe Arthur Purdy, on
October 31, 1947. He later passed away on September 1, 1986. Dorothy was remarried to Dan May,
October 18, 1992; he resides at Timbercrest.
She is survived by her children JoJoyce (Donald) Wyatt, Arizona, Dennis Purdy, Sharon (Randy)
Fruitt, and Gary (Rosemary) Purdy, all in North Manchester, Indiana. Surviving stepchildren are Jeff
(Shirley) May, North Carolina and Vickie (Terry) Holmes, Florida. Surviving grandchildren include
Cindy Morris, Texas, Robert (Darla) Tackett, Arkansas, Ian (Nanette) Tackett, Arizona, Dorena
Bunfill, Illinois, Amy (Dewand) Neely, Indiana, Mitch (Tomara) Purdy, Indiana, Heidi (Kurt) Stout,
Indiana, Mandi (Dan) Herring, Indiana, Matt (Jeri) Purdy, Indiana, Katie (Drew) Kaminskis,
Indiana, Sarah, (Ricky) McKee, Indiana. Surviving step grandchildren are Sheila Wagner,
Wisconsin, Keith Wyatt, Arizona, Robbie (Jenny) May, North Carolina, Carrie May, North Carolina,
Andy May, North Carolina, Jeffery May, North Carolina, Michael (Chelsea) Holmes, Florida, and
Jered (Katie) Holmes, Florida. There are also 35 surviving great-grandchildren and 5 great great-
grandchildren.
Dorothy was a member of Chester Charmers Home Extension Club for 50 years. She was a member
of Servia United Church of Christ in Servia, Indiana that later became New Hope United Church of
Christ, Bippus, Indiana. Dorothy loved and devoted her life to her family and church. She enjoyed
crafts, sewing, and mushroom hunting with close friends. She lived as a role model of
Christlikeness, touching many lives for Him, and is now back in His arms forever.
A memorial celebration for Dorothy will be held June 19, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the New Hope United
Church of Christ, 9160 W 800 N, Huntington, Indiana.
Those wishing to honor Dorothy may make contributions to New Hope United Church of Christ,
P.O. Box 125, Bippus, Indiana 46713.
The family of Dorothy Marie Cripe (Purdy) May has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final
arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com