Jeanette Puryear (aka Mom, Grandma, GG, Nett and Aunt Nett) passed away peacefully, with
her loving family by her side, on August 28, 2022. She was born on January 20, 1929 in Ely,
Nevada to Marguerite Jeanne Espagna and John Joseph Weber. Her French grandmother
Louise, who raised her, was the proprietor of the now historic French Hand Laundry in Ely.
Jeanette delivered the laundry on her red bicycle.
In high school, Jeanette began her career at Nevada Bell as a switchboard operator. She retired in 1986 after 41 years of service. During those early years she showed her athleticism by bowling 2 perfect 300 games.
On June 6, 1949, she married James E. “Bud” Puryear in Ely. Soon after, they moved to Reno
so Bud could attend UNR. In Reno, they became an integral part of the community starting
with managing Huskie Haven recreation center. Together they built a life full of family outdoor
activities. They had three children in which they instilled honesty, integrity, love, and respect
of the outdoors while enjoying it by camping, fishing, hunting, water and snow skiing. They
dedicated their lives sharing their passion of the outdoors with their children, their friends, and the community. It was all about giving, enriching their lives so much.
As a couple, they were committed to building programs that gave outdoor recreation
opportunities to families within the community. Bud ran the Junior Ski Program at Sky Tavern
on Sundays for over a decade and Jeanette, who started as the ticket lady, ended with a
passion for skiing and skied over 100 days in one season. They fell in love with water skiing
at Donner Lake, and had their kids skiing by the age of four. They were founding members
of Reno Water Ski Club at Pyramid Lake, active members of the Sacramento Water Ski Club,
created the Boca Tournament Association at Boca Reservoir, and were an integral part of the
development of Sierra Springs Water Ski Lake and Ski School in Carson Valley. While Jeanette
was often the boat driver, she didn’t learn how to swim until she was over 70! Many generations of local children were taught to snow or water ski by them. Their lives were filled with family and forever friends who recreated together year round. No matter what the season was, there was an activity to go and enjoy.
Jeanette never met a stranger. She talked to everyone she met and with her award-winning
smile and humor turned many into life-long friends ... and she could tell a joke with the best of
them! She had an open heart, loving arms and would help anyone in need. Jeanette’s love for
her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends was palpable and felt by everyone. She will be missed by all. We find comfort in knowing she has reunited with Bud and they’re happily dancing and clearing the dance floor once again doing the jitterbug.
Jeanette was preceeded in death by her loving husband, Bud Puryear. She is survived by
their children; Jim (Marina), Jerry (Suzi), Judy (Bill) and the loving families of: Marjorie (Mick)
Grizzle, Kathy Weber, Debra (Lee) Wilson, Susan Hallahan. Grandchildren and their families;
Seth (Natalie) Puryear, Kelti (Eric) Puryear Jones, Trevor (Kaytlin) Puryear, Tyler Puryear, Cody
Puryear, Nick (Roksi) Knecht and numerous great grandchildren.
She will be laid to rest in a private service.
The last of this driving force duo has passed. Now it is our turn as individuals in the
community to continue their legacy of building a strong, vibrant, sustainable outdoor
community. Since Sky Tavern was such a big part of her life and close to her heart, there will
be a Celebration of Life held there from 9-11am on Sunday, September 18, 2022 on the deck
at Sky Tavern. Please come share your stories! Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
Bring your lunch. For those interested, at 1pm Jerry will lead a mountain ride to show off the
trails at Sky Tavern, or come take a hike.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sky Tavern in her name.
Donations will help Sky Tavern sustain their program for generations to come, by assisting
them in obtaining a snow making system. If donating via check, make checks payable to
Sky Tavern (21130 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89511) and put “Snow Making” in the subject
line. If donating on-line, go to www.skytavern.org, select “easy donations”, and on the
personal information page, select “snow making.” A donation jar will also be available at the
Celebration of Life gathering.