(From Parker Mortuary)Sylvia Louise Spurlin, age 79 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away suddenly at her home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Sylvia was born April 29, 1946, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa to the late Benjamin D. and Mildred M. (Robeson) Westmoreland.
Sylvia grew up in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, graduating from St. Edmond’s Catholic High School with the class of 1964. Eventually, Sylvia moved to Joplin and worked for McAuley Catholic High School as the Director of Food Services from 1977-1989.
In the late 1980’s, Sylvia started back to school, graduating from Missouri Southern State University and later received her Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University. She then worked for Jasper County, Missouri in the Child Support Enforcement department from 1990-2011. In her retirement, Sylvia spent the next 7 fulfilling years working alongside her sons, grandsons, and a team of about ten college kids at JJ’s Woodfire Pizza. She managed the pizzeria and helped these young adults learn the ropes of growing a business together. It was a chapter full of camaraderie and shared growth.
Sylvia was of the Catholic faith and often attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Webb City. She loved her family and was a part of nearly everything they did. She enjoyed painting and writing but most importantly, cooking for all her family and friends.
Those left to mourn her passing include her sons, Jack J. Spurlin (Janna) of Joplin and Jason J. Spurlin (Debbie) also of Joplin; grandchildren, Austin Spurlin (David) of Webb City, Joseph Spurlin (Madi) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Jacklyn Spurlin of Joplin; brothers, Robbie Gochee and Chris Gochee; sister, Melissa Dencklau (Darrin); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Other than her parents, Sylvia is preceded in death by brothers, David and Pete Gochee, and a sister, Debra Cravero.
Sylvia was of the Catholic faith and often attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Webb City. She loved her family and was a part of nearly everything they did. She enjoyed painting and writing but most importantly, cooking for all her family and friends.
Those left to mourn her passing include her sons, Jack J. Spurlin (Janna) of Joplin and Jason J. Spurlin (Debbie) also of Joplin; grandchildren, Austin Spurlin (David) of Webb City, Joseph Spurlin (Madi) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Jacklyn Spurlin of Joplin; brothers, Robbie Gochee and Chris Gochee; sister, Melissa Dencklau (Darrin); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Other than her parents, Sylvia is preceded in death by brothers, David and Pete Gochee, and a sister, Debra Cravero.
Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City. A Rosary service will be on Monday, October 27th at 4:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 6:00 p.m. at the Parker Mortuary Chapel.
Inurnment of ashes will take place at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Joplin Area Catholic Schools in care of the mortuary or by going to www.jacss.org/page/support
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin,
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