Josie Mae Purser

Josie Mae Purser quietly slipped from here to eternity on Feb. 25, 2017, to join her parents, Albert and Abbie Purser, and nine of her brothers and sisters in Heaven. Josie was born April 23, 1931, in Brigham City, Utah, and she was the ninth child in a family of 11. When she was five years old, her family moved to Preston, Idaho, and there they planted their roots. Their property included an apple orchard, which was a favorite place to play and pick a variety of Transparent, Strawberry, Macintosh, and Snow apples. She always loved those particular varieties of apples because they reminded her of wonderful days at home. Her childhood consisted of hard work and wonderful adventures with her sisters and brothers. Ice skating, sledding, camping, going for rides in the mountains, picking apples, and all types of outdoor games and activities were a part of Josie's life.

            Josie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Western Canadian LDS Mission, with headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1954. Before she left for her mission, she received an invitation to tryout for the Salt Lake Shamrocks, a women's professional baseball team in Salt Lake City. She loved baseball and she loved to pitch, but she chose to serve her mission instead. She held many callings and was very devoted in serving others throughout her life.

            Josie worked for Beneficial Life Insurance Company and retired after 33 years. She lived mostly in Salt Lake City, Utah, but in 2016 she moved back to her hometown of Preston. She is survived by one brother, Sterling (Joyce) Purser, Brigham City, Utah; and four sister-in-laws, Donna, Udell, Floris, Dot Purser; and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four sisters, Ruth (Richard) Owens, Abbigail (Dean) Woodall, Joann (Dave) Ezola, Darlene (Quin) Bair; and five brothers, Gordon, Hyde, John, Eugene, and Arlend Purser.

            Josie and her family are so grateful for the love, concern, and visits from all of her family and friends. We would also like to express our appreciation for all of the loving, tender care she received from the angels at the Transitional Care Unit in Preston.

Services will be held Friday, March 3, at 12:00 noon at the Preston South LDS Stake Center, 55 E. 1st S., Preston. A viewing will be held Friday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com