Kayla A. Purves

Kayla Ann Purves of Columbus, passed away Friday, September 22, 2017 at UW Hospital in Madison, the result of an overdose.

Kayla was born to Kevin and Susan Purves August 3, 1990. Kayla grew up in Poynette, Wisconsin and moved to Columbus, Wisconsin in 2004 with her family. Kayla was a smart, funny, quick-witted, person that wanted everyone to feel loved. She had a temper like no other and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself or her loved ones. She was a mother, daughter, and sister that loved her family with all her heart. Kayla’s smile and infectious laugh could get her out of most any trouble with her family, all while confirming how much she adored them all. Kayla has left so many great memories in our hearts and taught us to never end a conversation without saying “I Love You”.

Kayla struggled with an addiction that consumed her. Despite her constant battle, Kayla continued to look forward to her future, not allowing this addiction to define her. Just prior to her passing, Kayla had made arrangements to begin treatment and had shared her dream to return to school and help those who struggled as she did. But Kayla’s journey was cut short, another casualty of this horrific addiction. Knowing we will never see our Kayla again or hear her laugh will leave a gaping hole in our hearts. But Kayla wasn’t done showing the world how much love she had to share. Through her generous organ donation – that saved the lives of many – Kayla has comforted many other families and spared them the pain of losing a loved one. And to us, Kayla will be remembered for all the good she brought, especially in giving us one of her greatest treasures, her beautiful children.

Kayla is survived by her children, Maurice and Makaylah, her mother, Susan Purves, who loved her unconditionally, her sister Juanita (Casey) Tomlinson, her brothers, Michael Bankers and Kevin Purves, and family friend, Lisa Schauer, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Kayla was preceded in death by her father, Kevin Purves, her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her aunt Jodi Purves.

A memorial service for Kayla will be held Thursday, October 12 at 11 AM at Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus. Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the time of services at the church.

Loving Kayla was easy, but loving Kayla with her addiction was hard. For those of you supporting a loved one with an addiction please know that it is okay to love them unconditionally. And it is important to make sure they know how much you love them every single day. And for those on the outside looking in, please remember to always be kind to one another, for you don’t know everyone’s story and never know when their story may end.

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