Elpha Izetta Springeman, 91, passed away, Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the Life Care Center in Burlington.
She was born March 10, 1925, on the family farm near Lebo, the daughter of Owen and Maude Robinson Sullivan. Elpha attended Lebo High School and graduated with the Class of 1943.
In October 1944 she was joined in marriage to Francis Springeman. They enjoyed over 50 years together until her husband’s death on June 21, 1997. Elpha and Francis raised their family in Burlington, until moving to Emporia in 1965.
Elpha worked at the USD 253 Board of Education office until her retirement in 1988.
Her many interests included spending time in her garden and traveling around the world. Elpha was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, TOPS and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxillary. She was also a volunteer with the Widow and Widowers Support Group.
She will be held dear to the hearts of her daughter, Mary Anderson and husband Marshall, Lebo; sons, Ronald Springeman and wife Betty, Eskridge, and Michael Springeman and wife Susan, Iola; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers, Russell “Bud”, Merle, Tom and Jack; and four grandchildren, David Springeman, Kelli Fagar, Sherri Fager and Donald Springeman.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia. Burial will follow at Lincoln Cemetery in Lebo. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. The family will receive friends following the rosary from 7 to 8.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Emporia Friends of The Zoo and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made at vanarsdalefs.com.
