Obituary of Iris Strutz

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come …” Proverbs 31:10Iris Purvis Strutz of Harrisburg slipped away into God’s loving arms February 21, 2013. Born in Turner, Oregon, to George and Nettie Mason, Iris was the youngest of three siblings, sister Pat Commons and brother Ellis Mason. She married Paul Purvis in 1937 and they settled in Salem. The young couple owned a shoe store, which Iris ran, while Paul worked at Slentz Feed and Seed. In 1952, Paul and Iris purchased Moody Hardware Company in Harrisburg, which they operated for 33 years before retiring in 1985. After Paul passed away in 1985, Iris remained active in the Harrisburg community, most notably as one of the founders of the Harrisburg Area Museum. In 1997, Iris married Alan Strutz and they shared her remaining years together participating in community events along with the continued development of the Museum.Iris lived an active and rich life, serving as an example of how one can be accomplished, work hard, and do it all with grace and elegance. Iris was a wonderful hostess, finding great joy in preparing dinners for family and friends. Iris was one of the original members of the River Road Church of Christ in Eugene, and in later years was a member of the Harrisburg Christian Church. She loved music, dancing, oil painting, working in the garden, and all things purple!Iris expressed unconditional love for her family, and her whole life revolved around them. Iris is survived by her husband Alan Strutz, her two children, Leah Belts (Richard) and Alan Purvis (Ginger), and step children Bob Strutz (Pam) and Janice Price (Pete). She was a doting grandmother of three and great-grandmother of five, all who cherished her deeply.A memorial service, open to family and friends, will be held on Sunday, March 10, 3:00 p.m., at the Harrisburg Christian Church.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Harrisburg Christian Church or the Harrisburg Area Museum.Arrangements By Musgrove Family Mortuary.