Nelda F. Purcell

April 17, 1941 - October 3, 2015

NELDA F. PURCELL, 74 of Ogallala, NE, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant. Nelda was born April 17, 1941 at Abernathy, TX to Eual and Floy (Stone) Hendon. She attended school in Milford, DE. On June 27, 1958, Nelda married David Purcell. The couple made their home in Lewis, Delaware where they operated a Spaghetti House for a few years. They would later move to Wichita Falls, TX, Denver, CO, Greeley, CO, and Kimball, NE before an opportunity to sell mobile homes brought them to Ogallala in 1969. They sold motor homes into the late 1970's before deciding to return to the restaurant business in 1983, when they bought the Char Bar in Big Springs, which they ran until retirement in 2008. Nelda had worked in the restaurant business most of her life. She had a passion for her work, and became an excellent cook over the years. Owning a restaurant in a small community proved to be daunting, requiring dedication and seemingly endless working hours. As a result she developed a strong work ethic, and many of her grandchildren have fond memories of visiting their grandma at the restaurant. She also enjoyed caring for her plants and flowers at home. Her greatest joys came from her family. Nelda was preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles; daughter in law, Kathy and brother, Jerry Hendon. Nelda is survived by her husband David Purcell of Ogallala; son, Lacy Purcell of Big Springs; daughter in law, Rita Purcell of Brule; 7 grandchildren, Wendy, Lacey, Zachory, Amanda, Heidi, Sarah, Christopher and Charles; 18 great grandchildren; brother, Wayne (Phyllis) Hendon of Mesquite, TX; sister, Shirley (Jerry) Stansbury of Wichita Falls, TX; sister in law, Norma Hendon of Brule; along with many other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in Nelda's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home chapel in Ogallala. No interment of cremains is planned at this time. A memorial book signing will be on Friday, from 1:00 PM to 5 PM at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.