Martha Jean “Peg” Surls, of Kansas City, MO passed away, June 30, 2024.
She was born on July 11, 1934 to Norton Payne and Marvin Anna (Chestnut) Boydston in Dearborn, MO. Martha graduated from Dearborn High School and attended the Blackwood Brothers School of Music.
On August 14, 1954 she was united in marriage to Merrill John Surls. After their marriage they lived in Independence, IA where Merrill was an Evangelist and Martha played the piano for their weekly television show. They moved to Tulsa, OK where their two sons were born. In 1962 they then moved to Kansas City. The family later moved to Colorado Springs, CO where she played piano and directed a musical ensemble for her church. In the early 90’s they returned to Kansas City where they retired. Martha was a member of Northland Cathedral where sang in the choir. Gospel music was a very important aspect of her life. Martha was a part of a ministry team from her church that shared their music with senior citizens.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Stanley Boydston, Howard Boydston, Owen Boydston, Irvin Boydston, M.C. Boydston and sisters, Anna Eunice Palmer, Mildred Lober, and Adella Mae Foxworthy.
Martha Jean is survived by her sons, Mark Surls and Mike (Marie) Surls; grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Carta, Jeremy (Kayli) Surls, Joseph (Jackie) Surls, Jonathan (Katie) Surls, and Jeanelle (Mike) Staffel; great-grandchildren, Cecily, Isabelle, Benjamin, Falon, Zoey, Jackson, Ethan, Tripp, James and London; brother Leonard Boydston; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 6th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
The family is requesting casual dress.
Donations may be made to Northland Cathedral.
