Joyce Purnell

Joyce Marie Purnell, 75, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and a love that ran deep. Born on June 28, 1950, Joyce was a woman of many passions and quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orpha Celeo and Mildred Loretta Ellison, and her beloved husband, Kenneth Eugene Purnell Jr., with whom she shared a life of quiet adventure and routine in the Pacific Northwest. Together, they made a home in the woods, where they spent their retirement surrounded by nature and family, creating cherished memories during Fourth of July and Labor Day celebrations filled with BBQs, camping, and Sunday Fundays.

A Life Well-Traveled and Well-Fed

Joyce lived a truly global life. Her journey was anything but typical; driven by an early life of military service and frequent relocation, she loved to travel and, for a period of time, called Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and a dozen U.S. cities home before ultimately settling in the Pacific Northwest.

Her roots came through her cooking, from Mediterranean to German to Southern comfort. A gifted baker and sophisticated crafter, Joyce’s creativity touched everyone around her. Her homemade cookies, banana breads, and cakes, handmade holiday decorations, whimsical lawn ornaments, and cozy dog blankets were tokens of her thoughtfulness and care.

Beyond baking, she made the best Southern and European foods—her Schnitzel, homemade biscuits, and mac and cheese were fan favorites and always requested. Most recently, she became one of the neighborhood’s premier party planners, organizing potlucks, monthly birthday celebrations, and more.

She had a mischievous streak, too—with a wink, “volunteering” us for shots of peach schnapps on special occasions—laughter (and wincing) guaranteed.

Character, Passions, and Resilience

Though she faced difficult moments, Joyce carried herself with a silent grace and tenacity. Her love wasn’t always loud, but it was fierce and deeply rooted—especially for her daughters.

In her later years, Joyce embraced life with enthusiasm, prioritizing vacations, shopping adventures, and shared meals with family and friends. She was incredibly active, and it often took convincing to get her to slow down. She was an avid reader—often finishing a book a week—and had a deep affection for animals, spoiling many beloved pets over the years, including Rasha, Sadie, Tubby, BooBoo, and MIKA.

Joyce had a special fascination with hummingbirds and angels, symbols that reflected her spirit. Hummingbirds, representing joy and resilience, mirrored her vibrant energy and quiet strength. She often gifted trinkets of these beloved icons, a small but meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about her heart.

Her love of music was another window into her soul. She adored classic country—especially Vince Gill—and cherished “Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd, the song she and Kenneth were married to. She had a soft spot for oldies, particularly Elvis Presley, and was a lifelong fan of classic rockers like Elton John and Kiss. Her obsession with Kiss and all things Las Vegas lifestyle added a fun and unforgettable flair to her personality that those close to her will always remember.

Family and Legacy

Joyce is survived by her children: Luis Martínez III, Christina María Martínez, Rebecca Lynn Martínez, Kenneth Eugene Purnell III (wife Cori), and Malissa Ann Purnell.

She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Selena Martínez, Leandra Martínez, Luis Martínez IV, Jose Martínez, Sean Martínez, Renae Martínez, Addyson Purnell, Skyler Purnell, Hayden Purnell, Payge Purnell, Tyler Sampson, and McKenzie Sampson; and her great-grandchildren: Bennett Flores and Zaedyn Hughley-Maholes.

Our mother will be deeply missed. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her loving husband and the many pets they adored. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she created, and the quiet but powerful love she carried for those closest to her.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, we invite her family and friends to make a personally meaningful contribution to the Humane Society of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho.