Dimple graduated from Appleton City High School in 1944 and furthered her education by attending Missouri State College in Springfield for two summers. At the young age of seventeen, she taught children from all eight grades in a one-roomed schoolhouse. In 1946, Dimple married the love of her life, Richard Lute, beginning a partnership that would span decades. Their union was blessed with three devoted daughters: Nancy, Pamela, and Cindy. Together, they owned and operated Lute’s Store, serving the local farming community for nearly eight years.
Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the store as she began a fulfilling career in healthcare. Trained by the doctors she worked alongside, Dimple even assisted as a surgical nurse to Dr. Ellett in Appleton City. After moving to Nevada, she served as a medical and office assistant to Dr. Candice Moore until her retirement at the age of 85.
While she enjoyed her career, Dimple loved being a wife and mother more than anything. She was a devoted and loving grandmother to all of her grandchildren and greats, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.
A cornerstone of her life was her unwavering faith. As an active member of the First Baptist Church in Nevada, Dimple sang in the senior adult choir, taught a senior women's Sunday School class, and participated in mission activities.
Her commitment to the P.E.O. Sisterhood for over 60 years exemplified her dedication to empowering and supporting women.
Dimple was an accomplished seamstress, a talent she shared with her family through the clothes she lovingly crafted. Her creativity and skill were most evident in the wedding dress worn by all three of her daughters and the christening gown for her great-granddaughter Emmalee, treasures that will be cherished for generations.
Dimple was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Richard, her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and David Reavis, her grandson Joel Reavis, her brothers Maurice and Eddie Purvis, and her sister Shela Tesdall. Her spirit lives on in her daughters, Pamela Hedger (Jack) and Cindy Onelio; her grandchildren, Doug Cross (Kristen), Clinton Cross (Erin), Todd Hedger (Bobbi), and Jill Kollar (Tony); her great-grandchildren Ian Cross (Emily), Evan Cross, Blake Spellman (Halei), Ethan Koenen, and Emmalee Koenen; and her great-great-granddaughter Olive Laine Cross. She is also survived by her beloved niece Theresa Lackey (David), and dear friends Jack and Skip Mead, Ben Walker, and Dr. Ted and Dr. Candice Moore.
In honor of Dimple's generous spirit, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to love, faith, and kindness. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 prior to the service. Private family burial will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada.
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