Unruh, Martha Riesen (1901-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jul 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1901 Jan 22

text of obituary:

MRS. EDWARD H. UNRUH

Martha Riesen Unruh was born near Hillsboro, Kan. on Jan. 22, 1901, to Frederick B. and Elizabeth Nickel Riesen. She passed to her eternal reward on Jun 12, 1959, at 2 p.m., reaching the age of 58 years, four months, and 21 days.

Her childhood years were spent in her parental home from which she also attended rural school for her elementary education. At the age of ten she lost her mother through death, which left a vacant place in the home. She attended Hillsboro academy from which she was graduated in 1919. At the age of 17 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. William Ewert and received into the membership of the Brudertal Mennonite Church of Hillsboro, Kan.

On July 28, 1921, she was joined in holy wedlock with Edward H. Unruh. They shared the joys and sorrows of wedlock for nearly 38 years. The Lord blessed this union with six sons.

They spent most of their married life on a farm near Hillsboro. In 1950 they moved to Warroad, Minn. in search of a locality which would be better for her health. Some relief was found at first, but last summer it was decided to move to Winston, Calif. This proved quite helpful. Two years ago her health began to fail and medical aid was sought. At times there seemed to be relief, but at other times it got worse. Throughout her last illness she suffered much pain, but seldom complained.

She had served in the church in various ways. In her youth she was church organist and later taught in the Sunday school. She was always willing to serve in whatever way she could. She was a loving mother and taught her children the truths of the Bible. One of her favorite verses was Phil. 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”

Those preceding her in death were her mother, one brother, two grandchildren and her father-in-law.

She leaves to mourn her all-too-early departure her husband; her children, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver R. Unruh of Hillsboro, Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Unruh of Findlay, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. James R. Unruh of Lodi, Calif., Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. Unruh of Wichita, Kan., Mr. and Mrs. Floyd R. Unruh of St. Paul, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Unruh of Winton, Calif., and 20 grandchildren. Also surviving are her aged father, her stepmother, mother-in-law, three brothers, two half brothers, seven brothers-in-law, and 13 sisters-in-law together with a host of other relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 Jul 14 p. 431