Elsie Marie (Burch) Spurgeon
Elsie Marie (Burch) Spurgeon, a resident of the Living Center in Mount Vernon, died peacefully on July 22, 2021 after a long illness, at the age of 99, of which she was proud to have achieved.
Elsie was born on June 20, 1922 in Nellie to the late Robert A. and Edna E. (Cullison) Burch. In 1940, Elsie graduated from Union High School, located in Perry Township, Coshocton County. She was the first valedictorian of the new high school.
On March 30, 1941, she married Paul E. Spurgeon, who preceded her in death in 2002 after 62 years of marriage.
As a devout Christian her love of her family was second only to her love of Jesus. Throughout her life she attended the Riley Chapel Baptist Church, the Walhonding Church of Christ and the Gay Street United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher, participated in numerous bible study groups and was active in the women’s groups. She was most grateful for the cards, letters, and prayers she received from her church family.
Elsie was active in the Tiverton Grange, where she was often in charge of the monthly programs. She loved helping to organize the yearly Grange Institute. She loved to travel. She and Paul traveled the world, visiting all 7 Continents and all 50 U.S. states.
She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Mae “Dottie” Tabar; her son, Paul E. “Eddie” (wife Linda) Spurgeon; her son-in-law, David Glass; eight grandchildren, Michelle, D.J. “Don”, Jeffrey, Chad, Sara, Matthew, Jessica, and Ryan; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Dr. James Burch; a sister-n-law, Joan Burch; several nieces and nephews and her special “family” Gene & Sylvia McCoy and children.
Her daughter, Bonnie Jean Glass preceded her in death in 2009. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Esther Rutledge and Ara Flack; and her brothers, Calvin, Clarence and Darrell Burch.
She was always grateful for the staff at the Living Center for their support and compassion, especially during the Covid lockdown when they became like family. She appreciated the kind and compassionate care received from Hospice of Knox County staff: Jennifer “Jen”, Denise, Katie, Devon, Alysa, Destiny, Debbie, Angie, and Chaplin Dave.
Calling hours will be at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Her funeral will be held at the Gay Street United Methodist Church, 18 N. Gay St. Mount Vernon, OH 43050, on Saturday, July 31st at 10:00 a.m. A live stream of the funeral service will be available for those unable to attend on Elsie’s obituary page at the funeral home website, www.fischerfuneralhome.com There will be a graveside service immediately following the funeral, where Elsie will be buried beside her husband at the Riley Chapel Cemetery in Butler Township.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walhonding Church of Christ in care of Monty Tarrh, 30152 State Route 206 Walhonding, OH 43843; or to the Gay Street United Methodist Church, 18 North Gay St. Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
Category: Obituaries
