Martha Spurgeon

Martha Spurgeon, 91, of Las Cruces, New Mexico and formerly of New Paris, Indiana, died Saturday, March 11, 2006, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She was born April 7, 1914, in Defiance, Ohio, to David and Edna (Yarlet) Spurgeon.  She lived most of her life in New Paris.   A New Paris High School graduate, she worked many years for the New Paris Post Office and then at the Elkhart County Public Welfare Department for 37 years, where she retired as Welfare Director.   Miss Spurgeon received numerous awards for her dedicated service and involvement in activities, organizations and causes on the local, state and national levels in her welfare work.    A member of the Grace United Methodist Church, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles and china painting.   She is survived by a brother-in-law, James F. Saunders of Las Cruces, New Mexico; two nephews, James D. (Mary) Saunders and Donald W. Saunders, both of Las Cruces; a niece, Lynne (Seb) Williams of Tate, Georgia; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by many cousins, including, Donnelda (Dee) Baer of Fibre, Michigan, Joan (Bob) Allberry of Elkhart, Ora Daniel (Nancy) Baer of Albion, Indiana, and Steven R. Baer of Columbia City, Indiana.   She was preceded in death by a brother, Elza Blaine Spurgeon; a sister, Agnes Ruth Saunders, and a great nephew, Chris Villescas.   Friends will be received 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 19, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.   A 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 20, 2006, service will be held at the funeral home.  Rev. Rob Nelson of the Grace United Methodist Church, New Paris will officiate.   Burial will be in New Paris Cemetery, New Paris, Indiana.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Diabetes Association, Boys and Girls Club of Goshen or Donor’s Choice.