Arlene G. Spurgeon

Arlene G. Spurgeon, 88, of Topeka, passed away Friday, June 4, 2010. Arlene was born June 13, 1921 in Eskridge, Kansas; daughter of John Wesley and Mabel (Winston) Allen. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1938. Arlene was united in marriage to Harry Griggs in 1938; he passed away in 1951. She married Laurence Spurgeon, Sr. in 1955; he passed away in 1996. Arlene worked 30 years for Santa Fe Railroad as a clerk.

She was a member of Seaman Congregational United Church of Christ, Santa Fe Old Timers Club and Moose Lodge, Topeka.

Arlene is survived by her brother, Doron Dale Allen, Topeka ; four children, Dean Griggs, Silver Lake; Jerry Griggs, Topeka; Robert Griggs, Sr., Las Vegas, NV; and Judy Bizoe, Topeka; step-son, Laurence Spurgeon, Jr., Topeka; step-daughter, Karen Olson, Rapid City, SD; 18 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harry and Laurence; brothers, Kenneth and Olan Allen; sister, Orpha Reedy; step-son, Louis Spurgeon; and grandson, Steven Matthew Griggs.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2010, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence, Topeka, 66608. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Arlene will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2010; where family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be directed to Midland Care Hospice Service, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka 66604.