Dr. Eileen Elizabeth Spurgeon

On October 5, 2022, the beautiful soul of Dr. Eileen Elizabeth Spurgeon was lifted into heaven. Born August 2, 1929 in Rensselaer, Indiana to Edward and Flora (Bundy) Spurgeon, she was the 5th of 6 children. Eileen was born with Cerebral Palsy, a misunderstood disability, especially in 1929. Her family was told that she would never learn to walk or talk, but those of us graced by her presence, knew what a force of life she was.

To know her was to know Jesus and his undying love. She overcame every obstacle set before her and did it without complaint or fear. She was the very definition of extraordinary. Our lives became better for simply having known her. Her story was an inspiration to us all.

In 1949, Eileen graduated from Rensselaer High School. She went on to complete two years at Valparaiso University where she was a member of Alpha Phi Delta sorority. A few years later, she studied at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo, and then at Faith Baptist College and Seminary in Dayton, OH, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Education. She went on to obtain two Master’s Degrees in Christian Education and Bible Studies.

On May 28, 2004, at the age of 75, she received her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Faith Baptist College and Seminary in Anderson, S.C. Eileen served as a house parent at the Galilean Christian Children’s Home in Kentucky for several years. She worked for the Jasper County Public Library in Rensselaer for over 25 years sharing her love of learning with countless others. Eileen loved books and had an extensive personal collection. Inspired by the works of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, she was an avid writer and publisher committed to sharing the gospel with others around the world. Eileen enjoyed traveling and visited many cities in Europe, England, and South America, as well as many areas of the U.S.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Alta Hall of Lafayette, nieces: Kristel Kaye of Lafayette and Debbi Savage of Bedford, TX; nephews: Ed Higginbotham of Chandler, AZ, Jerry Cadwalader of Highland, IN; Jim Cadwalader of Fishers, IN, and Robbie Hall of Woodruff, SC. as well as many great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Raymond Spurgeon; sisters: Elsie Cadwalader, Annabelle Jackson, Florence Higginbothan, brother-in-law Cliff Hall, niece: Anne Ward, and nephew Daryl Hall.

Services will be conducted on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 by Reverend Bill Murdock at Soller-Baker Funeral Home located at 400 Twyckenham Blvd in Lafayette, Indiana. Visitation will be at 11:00am (EDT) followed by the service at noon (EDT). Interment will follow at the Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Jasper County Public Library, 208 West Susan Street, Rensselaer, IN 47978.