Mildred Purdie, age 84 of Sac City, IA, formerly of Rockwell City, IA, passed away peacefully at Park View Rehabilitation Center on July 24, 2026.
Mildred Ruth (Rix) Purdie was born on March 18, 1942, in rural Fonda, IA on the family farm in Williams Township, to parents Edward, Jr. and Nelma (Just) Rix. She grew up with her family in rural Fonda. She attended country school through fifth grade in Calhoun County, IA and then transferred to Lytton public school graduating from Lytton High School in 1960. Mildred loved doing hair as a child so following graduation she attended college at Fort Dodge School of Beauty graduating 1961. She worked in Lake City and Lake View before starting her business in Lytton, which she operated for 43 years.
On February 9, 1964, wedding bells rang when she was united in marriage to David G. Purdie at Emanuel- St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton. David and Mildred had four children during their early years, Arlin, Marlene, Robert, and Marlyn. They raised their family in Rockwell City, while she worked as a hairdresser in Lytton. Mildred was a life-long member of Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton. She served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and attended church circle. She was active in her community as a women’s club member, including serving as chairperson and active in quilting bees.
Mildred was a very talented singer and was a member of the “3 Ole’ Hens and the Chick”, a singing group that performed at local variety shows. She loved singing and performing in choir and community chorale performances. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Mildred is survived by her children, Arlin (Debbie) Purdie of Altoona, IA, Robert (Jody) Purdie of Mitchellville, IA, Marlyn (Abbey) Purdie of Sac City, IA, and Dr. Marlene Ramsey (Joe Studnicka) of Janesville, WI; grandchildren: Jamie DeVries, Jena Bowen, Jennifer (Mike) Thayer, Barbara (Stephanie) Ramsey, Christopher (Mary Jo) Ramsey, Tonya Ramsey, Brad Purdie, Shelby Purdie, Jessa Purdie, and Kierstin Purdie; great-grandchildren: Norah and Jolene DeVries, Hayley Ramsey, Oliver and Declan Ramsey; sisters Shirley Westphalen of Sioux City, IA, and Edna (Dyle) Rockafellow of Sac City, IA.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David G. Purdie; parents Edward and Nelma Rix; brother Edward L.H. Rix; niece Valerie Rockafellow; and son-in-law Lynn “Hec” Ramsey.
