Obituary - Sylvia Helga Purkett

Sylvia Helga Purkett, 84, passed away peacefully due to natural causes Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook. She left this world with her daughter, Julie, by her side. With her husband Ambrose's photo laying next to her and sons, Byron and Neil, present in spirit, she found her way to God.

Sylvia was born January 23, 1936, in Havre to Hilmer and Helga (Zakarison) Johnson. She attended school in Havre, graduating from Havre High School in 1955. She started a life and a beautiful family with Ambrose Purkett, and the couple adored each other for over 60 years until his death in 2017.

Sylvia was a loving, giving woman who always placed others before herself. She was a caretaker and, in a way, a mother and grandmother to everyone around her. Sylvia embraced taking care of people, and always gave her time and love to others. She had a beautiful soul with a firecracker demeanor and a heart of gold.

Classic car shows, playing pinochle, cooking world-famous meals, teaching and sharing her life's knowledge with her grandkids, and, of course, dressing up and dancing were a few of her favorite pastimes.

Sylvia deeply cared about all of her close long-time friends, and cared even more for her family. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, especially Christmas songs.

Most of all, Sylvia had her faith. A devout Christian, she loved God with all of her heart and loved to help others believe.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her true love and husband, Ambrose Purkett, and her parents, Hilmer and Helga Johnson.

She is survived by her three children, Byron (Pam) Purkett of Caldwell, ID, Julie (Mitchell) Dimich of Billings, MT, and Neil (Laura) Purkett of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Lance, Amber, Craig, Amy, Dominic and Gina; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Sonya (Gary) Bulman of Escondido, CA; brother, Edwin (Konnie) Johnson of Glasgow, MT; sister-in-law, Patty Purkett of Havre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and, due to the pandemic, services will be held at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather.

Her family has suggested memorial donations be made in Sylvia's memory to First Lutheran Church, the Hi-Line Sletten Cancer Institute or the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Sylvia's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

Sylvia was adored and will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude for the excellent care she received from the nursing staff at Sweet Home.