Vivian R. Spurgeon

Vivian Rea Spurgeon, age 97, of Belle, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  

Vivian was born February 26, 1926, in Osage County, a daughter to the late George and Nannie (Monroe) Kemple. 

 On November 23, 1944, she was united in marriage to Milford Paul Spurgeon. They enjoyed 71 years together. Milford preceded her in death in 2016. 

Vivian was a 1943 Linn High School graduate. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, an active, long-time member of Community of Christ Church and later attended Bland Christian Church. 

Vivian began her working career immediately out of high school teaching in a one-room rural school.  She continued her working career in several local factories.  She had many interests and hobbies throughout her life including working hard for the Lord at church in any and all capacities, reading the Bible, traveling, sewing and crafting, woodworking with Milford, fishing, and most recently, puzzling with family and friends.  

Vivian is survived by five children, Ronnie Spurgeon and wife Vivian of Union; Kathy Smith and husband Eddie of Camdenton; Ed Spurgeon and wife Mary of Owensville; Sam Spurgeon of Mission, Kansas; Bonnie Elrod and husband Jim of Belle. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Nancy Ford and husband Pat of Victoria, Texas and one brother-in-law Roger Spurgeon and wife Phyllis of Waterloo, Illinois.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, one brother, Glenn, and four sisters, Mary, Marjorie, Kay, and Carol.

Visitation for Vivian will be on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Sassmann's Chapel in Belle from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Bland Christian Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. with nephew, Larry Banks officiating. Interment will be at the Community of Christ Cemetery near Linn. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Community of Christ Cemetery Fund. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle, Missouri (859-3712)

www.sassmannschapel.com