Eula Purvis Masengale Lockridge

Eula Purvis Masengale Lockridge, age 98, passed from life on earth to life in heaven on September 15, 2013 in New Castle, IN. Born in New Castle, IN, on April 13, 1915, Eula lived there her entire life, except for retirement winters in Florida from 1968-2006. Eula was the first child of Clay (Shortie) Purvis and Mamie Jones Purvis with five younger sisters, Eunice Purvis, Dorothy Whary, Martha Stairs, all deceased, Joan Antic of New Castle and Mary Jo (husband Warren) Graves of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and two younger brothers, Paul Purvis and Thomas Purvis, both deceased.

Eula and J. Fred Masengale were married in Richmond, IN on September 6, 1930, and were married for 46 years until Fred's death in November 1976. From that happy marriage a daughter, Sara Lou Stonerock and a son Larry Gene (wife Jan) Masengale, both of New Castle, IN were born and survive their mother. Grandchildren John Stonerock (wife Roxanne) of Los Angeles, CA and Jennifer (husband Andy) Hood of New Castle survive Eula. Surviving great-grandchildren are Matthew Stonerock, Brian Stonerock (wife Jennifer), Christopher Stonerock, all of Los Angeles, CA and Ezra and Elijah Hood of New Castle, IN. One great-great grandson, Carson Stonerock of Los Angeles CA also survives. Eula was preceded in death by son-in-law Doug Stonerock.

In January 1988 Eula and Harold Lockridge were married and enjoyed eleven happy years until Harold's death in 1999. Surviving members of Harold's family include daughter, Sarah Jane Stewart of Spiceland, IN, and her children Susan (husband Dennis) Stamper, New Castle, IN, Lisa (husband Rick) Little, Spiceland, IN, Amy Pickering, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Michael (wife Jackie) Owens, Mooreland, IN. Several step-great-grandchildren also survive.

Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Karen Purvis, Tucson, AZ, a brother-in-law, Dale Stairs, New Castle, IN, several nieces including one special niece, Linda Stairs, New Castle, IN, nephews, cousins, Memorial Wesleyan Church family and Raintree Square friends.

Eula's Christian faith became important to her when she became affiliated with Ninth Street Wesleyan Methodist Church, now Memorial Wesleyan Church, in 1932 and became a member there in 1935. She was still an active member at Memorial Wesleyan Church at the time of her death. Through the years Eula taught different Sunday school classes, including the teen class for 20 years. She was active in the women's missionary society and assisted the hospitality committee as well as participating in and directing Christmas and Easter dramas and vacation Bible schools. She served her Lord, as well, in the church choir and as church clerk for a time. Even when poor eyesight and hearing hindered her, she faithfully attended worship services because in her words, "I want people to know whose side I'm on!"

An accomplished seamstress Eula created fashionable garments for her family and fashioned formal wedding gowns for many young brides in her church. Eula loved people and showed her love with warm hospitality and delicious meals prepared especially for her loved ones.

Eula was primarily a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, but worked for a short while at Goodman Jester Department Store on Broad Street and later for over ten years for a local dentist, Dr. Harlan Shupert.

As a member of the Sunny Grove Mobile Home Park family in Estero, FL, she served as President of the Board of Directors there for two terms. She led a Bible Study class in the park for 25 years. Eula served as president of both the Sunny Grove and Henry County Shuffleboard clubs.

Eula's passing is earth's loss, but heaven's gain.

Eula's family will receive callers at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2013 and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at the funeral home with Rev. Dennis Hilton and Rev. Paul Kirk officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery in New Castle.

In lieu of floral tributes, Eula requested that memorials be directed to Memorial Wesleyan Church Mortgage Fund with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Eula at www.hinsey-brown.com .