Etta Irene Purlia, 90, of Scottsdale, went home to the Lord on Monday, July 3, 2006. Irene was born in Batesville, Arkansas to Walter and Ora Etta Chinn and raised on a farm in the Ozarks. She moved to Miami, Arizona in 1936 to work in a confectionary. There she met and married her husband, George, in 1937. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past April. Irene and George moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1938. Irene's creativity and artistry was shown in every aspect of her life. It was apparent in her many years as a hairdresser, in her personal sense of style, in the care of her family, and in her artwork. She was an avid reader and had a love of learning. She surrounded herself with books on many subjects and could discuss the latest developments in many fields. She possessed a great sense of humor and said she often saw things in life as cartoons. Her love of nature and her ability to grow anything from a seed amazed her family. Irene's family was the most important thing in life to her. She was selfless in her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her outlook on life, her inner strength, and the things that she believed in were her special gifts to her family. Irene is survived by her husband, George, her daughter Linda Lairson, her sons George Louis Jr. (Marge) and Paul Gordon. Her son, John Michael, preceded her in death in 2003. Survivors also include nine grandchildren and their spouses, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation at 3:00 pm and funeral service at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 9,2006, in the chapel at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. A reception will be held at 5:30 pm at Scottsdale Church of the Nazarene, 2340 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Irene's name to your favorite charity