Diana Louise Purnell

Diana Louise Purnell was born on January 24, 1950 in Denver, Colo. She married and had one son in 1970. They lived in Texas, Kentucky and then returned to Colorado where they divorced. For several years Diana lived in Glenwood Springs working as a bank teller. In 1982 she met the "love of her life" Thomas Purnell whom she married in 1983; eventually they moved to Gunnison where she said they were blessed to live and called it the "most beautiful place in my world." Spending time with her family, camping and fishing were Diana’s passions. Almost every weekend you could find her and Thomas and their two dogs fly fishing in their float tubes up at Needle Creek Reservoir. They kiddingly called it Dianas' Lake. She was a consummate fisherman and could out fish almost anybody they fished with. Diana enjoyed working for the Motor Vehicle Division here in Gunnison for 14 years. She appreciated her boss and co-workers and was especially gratified when she could provide efficient, pleasant service for the local community members. She also looked forward to her Bunko nights out with the ladies. With a ready smile and a great sense of humor, Diana could light up any room. She loved her life and said she always felt blessed. She was a loving wife, a very caring and thoughtful friend and was the "best sister in the whole wide world." She will be missed by many of us. Diana was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Helen Cook with whom she now resides in peace. Diana is survived by her loving husband Thomas, her son Michael, her "outstanding" sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Chris, her daughter-in-law Sherry Snider and her "precious" granddaughter Carolwyn; and her in-laws: Mike and Mary, Greg and Patti, Tom and Mary, Patty, Al and Katie, Jimmy and Linda, George and Sandy, Bobby and Lynette and many close friends. Diana was very grateful for the love and care she received from her oncologist, the nurses and staff at San Juan Cancer Center in Montrose. She requested that we have a "Celebration of Life" that will be honored and announced at a later date.