June Irene Pursley, 96, of Springfield, died peacefully at the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home will conduct a Military Graveside Service at Eastlawn Cemetery on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 2:00 pm.

June was a World War II Veteran. She was born May 27, 1919 in Beaver, Wisconsin to Maude (Jeffrey) LaLone and Harry LaLone. June graduated from Downers Grove Illinois in 1933. She was a member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church of Springfield, MO. She was an active member of the Eastern Star. June accepted Christ at an early age and served the Lord.

June was married in her twenties to John Edie, later he was killed during the Normandy Invasion. She then joined the WAAC (Women's Army Auxiliary Corp). She was soon promoted to Drill Sargent and later transferred to regular Army and trained as a surgical nurse. She was known, by her co-workers, as one who was eager to volunteer when needed. Later transferred to O'Riley Hospital in Springfield, MO, where she served until the hospital closed. June was honorably discharged in 1946 and then went to Beauty School. Upon graduation she opened her own beauty shop called "La Charme Beauty Shop on North Glenstone, Springfield, MO. She won many awards and trophies and trained many young students to become professional stylists and operator/owners.

In 1950 June married her second husband (Bill Pursley) and was happily married for 45 years until his death in 1995. June and Bill's favorite pastime was to play golf as much as possible. June also was a volunteer at St. John's Hospital, surgery department. She gave blood on a regular schedule from 1944 to 2009. A dedicated donor, she called it "her duty."

June was very proud to serve her country and to be one of the many veterans of World War II, to travel on the "Ozark Honor Flight" to Washington D.C., where her name appears on the "Military Women's Memorial Wall." On that day she had several approach her with a hug and a "thank you" for her services. She was proud to represent the nurses that cared for the many that were injured.

Preceding her in death was John Edie, Bill Pursley (husband), Harry LaLone (father), Maude LaLone Thompson (mother), Ross Thompson (step-father); three sisters, Marie, Nina and Faye; three brothers, Ralph, Harold and Eugene. Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was loved by everyone and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.

June wanted to express her sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility with a great big hug and "THANK YOU" for all their loving care (even while she was sleeping), personal attention and encouragement given to her while in the residence. She loved you all!

A big Salute to a Truly Remarkable Lady!!