Ruth Spurgeon

Benjamin Funeral Service - Ruth Elaine Epperson Spurgeon was born March 9, 1940 in rural Nowata County, at Roads 407 and 19, which is about one eighth mile from where she lived the last 44 years. Her parents were Lloyd and Edna Gibson Epperson. She attended Elm Bend District 33 for two years then graduated from Delaware High School in 1958. Ruth attended College at Northeast Oklahoma A&M for two years and married Allan Spurgeon May 28, 1960. She completed her teaching degree in 1964 and taught elementary school for 39 years, 1 in California, 2 at Diamond Point, and 36 in Nowata. Ruth became a member of Delaware United Methodist Church in October of 1955. She also attended Armstrong Church for many years. She always taught a Sunday School Class and worked with children. After her retirement in 2002 she assisted family members who were in poor health, and also continued work with many community organizations such as Diamond Point Preservation Association, Friends of Community and Schools, Nowata County Retired Educators Association, and Delaware United Methodist Church. Ruth was a member of her Ladies Mission quilters group at church and the weekly children's program, Bible Zone. Ruth served on the Administrative Council and other committees. She was recognized as Nowata Schools Teacher of the Year in 1985 and was co-recipient of the Nowata Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Ruth taught hundreds of Children and touched the lives of many more in missional service. Survivors include daughter Vicki Spurgeon of Lawton, son Jim Spurgeon of Nowata, and granddaughters Jessica, Katey and Abby. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Duke and Carol Epperson, brother-in-law John Spurgeon, and sisters-in-law Carol Stevens and Barbara Epperson as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Allan Spurgeon, parents Lloyd and Edna Epperson, sister Erma Jean Ford, and brother Butch Epperson. Memorial contributions can be made to the Delaware United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 185, Delaware, Oklahoma, 74027. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com

Visitation Details

Monday, October 10th, 2016 9:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Tuesday, October 11th, 2016 9:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 9:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Service Details

Thursday, October 13th, 2016 10:30am, Benjamin Funeral Home

Interment Details

Memorial Park - Nowata