Karen L. Purnell, daughter of Robert Leroy (1922-1991) and Jean L. (Gardner) (1924-2009) Purnell, was born 4 April 1953 in Michigan.  She graduated from Okemos High School in 1971.  She died 26 March 1974 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan and was interred Bethlehem Cemetery, Ann Arbor.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Wednesday 27 March 1974

KAREN PURNELL

Karen L. Purnell, 20, 1705 Chief Okemos Circle, Okemos, died Tuesday at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Surviving are her parents, Robert and Jean Gardner Purnell; a brother, William of Ann Arbor; her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mertle Purnell of Glendora, Calif., and her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mabie Gardner of Ann Arbor.  Cremation has taken place.

Private memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor.