Ethel Margaret Purvis Sharp, 93, a resident of Washington, Pa., for more than 60 years, died Aug. 7 in Seal Beach, Calif., where she recently moved to be near family.

Born March 8, 1911, in Mars, she was the last surviving child of Wilson Oliver and Emma Davidson Purvis of Mars. Her father was one of the founders in 1928 of Purvis Brothers Oil Co. and the Purvis Service Station in Mars.

She attended Mars schools; and in 1933, she graduated from Grove City College. She married Grove City alumnus Harold C. "Buz" Sharp of Butler that same year. Her beloved husband died in 1975.

Athletic in nature, she played basketball in her youth and was a senior lifeguard. As an adult, she enjoyed golf, bowling and cards, especially contract bridge. After raising her children, she taught school until retirement.

Mrs. Sharp was an active member of the Church of the Covenant in Washington, Pa. She was the first woman elected to the office of deacon, a circle leader, choir mother, one of the founders of the Sunday school kindergarten class, and a pianist for church school classes.

Her community activities included leadership in the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and the Y-Teen Committee. She was a LeMoyne House docent, a member of the Salvation Army Board and belonged to the Washington Women's Club and the Delta Kappa Club.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Tucker and son-in-law, Tom Tucker, of Florida; a son, the Rev. William J. "Bill" Sharp and daughter-in-law, Claire Sharp, of Long Beach, Calif.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

- A memorial service for Ethel Margaret Purvis Sharp, who died Saturday. Aug. 7, 2004, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Covenant, Washington, Pa. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Fund or Building Fund of the Church of the Covenant, 267 E. Beau St., Washington, PA, 15301.Condolences may be sent to Bill Sharp, 600 E. Ocean Blvd. No. 1201, Long Beach, CA 90802.PLATT & BARHNILL FUNERAL DIRECTORS, Washington, Pa., are handling arrangements.