Laura R. Purdy, 97, of 4003 Wilmington Road, New Castle, passed away the afternoon of August 4, 2013 at Jameson Care Center. Born September 27, 1915 in New Castle, she was a daughter of Earl T. and Laura Jenkins Ramsey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Purdy, on April 8, 1978. Laura was a graduate of New Castle High School and attended Westminster College. During WWII she worked for State Store LCB, followed by New Castle Dry Goods where she was a clerk. As a life member of First Presbyterian Church, she was the first female elder, and was the Director of their Recreation Center. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan, she also loved reading and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Laura was a charter member of the Rainbow Girls. She is survived by one son, David A. Purdy, of New Castle; a sister and brother-in-law, Earleen and Guy McCracken of Sharon, PA; two grandchildren, David T. Purdy and Lauren Purdy; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Roberta Culbertson and Elizabeth "Betty" Young. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, from 2-4 and 6-8 at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road. A service will take place on Thursday, August 8, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home and will be officiated by Rev. Nathan Loudon. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery.