Submitted by
Louise Willison

Velma A. Spurgeon

Velma A. "Granny" Spurgeon, longtime Newkirk resident, died Saturday night, July 8, 2006, at her home. She was 93.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, in Newkirk Cemetery with Danny W. Cornish officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The body will lie in state at the funeral home Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Velma A. Spurgeon was born March 14, 1913, in Kaw City, the daughter of Lonzo Berton and Lula Mae Bishop Hollingsworth. She grew up and received her education in Kaw City.

On June 20, 1930, she and Benjamin Henry Spurgeon were married in Pawnee. They established their first home in Kaw City. They moved to Newkirk in 1942, and she has resided here since that time. She was a homemaker and enjoyed that role in her family. The only time she worked outside the home was when she was in her 70s, and she was employed for a short time by A&A Paints to made drapes in her home.

Velma treasured her children and helping to raise each new generation in her family. She liked to travel and had been all over the United States and Canada. She also enjoyed bowling, fishing, crocheting and word search games.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda Jo Vann of Newkirk; seven grandchildren, Lydia Backhaus, Bennie Long, Donna White, Debbie Fildes, Mark Hall, Chris Davis and Kelly Pritchett; an honorary grandson, William Holland; 12 great-grandchildren, Shawndra Hazen, Kyle Albee, Mike Backhaus, Cameron Albee, Kelsey Kiser, Chelsea Hock, Amber Walker-Fildes, Erica Walker Bryce Hall, Dillon Ward, Skylar Ward and Ryder Pritchett; six great-great-grandchildren, Kylie Hock, Kylie Backhaus, Devin Backhaus, Dakosha Albee, Chase Albee and Cade Albee; and two sons-in-law, Neal Long and Don Crawford.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ben on Dec. 28, 1971; one son, Benny Spurgeon; two daughters, Ivonya Long and Velma Crawford; her parents; three brothers, Ray Morgan, Joe Hollingsworth and Berton Hollingsworth; one sister, Viola Crawley; and one great-grandchild, Shawn Rae Hazen.

A memorial fund has been established with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. Contributions may be made in Mrs. Spurgeon's name through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.