Unruh, Benjamin D. (1869-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Sep 29 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 Feb. 10

text of obituary:

BENJAMIN D. UNRUH

Benjamin D. Unruh, son of David and Susan (Wede) Unruh, was born Feb. 10, 1896 [sic 1869], in Poland, Russia. He departed this life Sept. 14, 1955, having reached the age of 86 years, seven months and four days.

In 1874 he came with his parents to America in McPherson County, Kansas, where he grew to manhood. He was baptized by Rev. John J. Ratzlaff and joined the Mennonite Church.

On Dec. 12 1891, he united in marriage to Anna Nichols. They had the great joy of sharing life’s joys and sorrows for more than 52 years. They started their home in McPherson County, Kansas, then moving to Halstead, Kansas. In 1912 they moved to Oklahoma, settling on a farm one mile west of Goltry. Here they spent 31 years of their life together.

On Dec. 28, 1943, the Lord saw it to call mother to a higher service through death. In November of 1944, feeling the need of a companion, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Eva Bartel of Cherokee, Okla. For the greater part of 12 years they shared the joys of life. During this time they made their life in Meno, Okla.

He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife; seven children, Alda (Mrs. Lincoln Unruh) of Copeland, Kansas, Alice (Mrs. Dan Smith) of Golty, Okla., Agatha (Mrs. Alfred Rudiger) of Great Bend, Kansas, Dave of Ringwood, Okla., Cornelious [sic Cornelius] of Cleo Springs, Okla., Irving of Meno, Okla., and Harlan of South Haven, Kansas; 44 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. One daughter, Emma, two grandchildren and two great-grand-children preceded him in death.

Father enjoyed good health until about two years ago when he was stricken with a kidney ailment from which he never fully recovered. In August of this year he again became ill, and on Friday, Aug. 26, he entered the St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid, Okla., where every means was tried to save his life, but all in vain. Father passed quietly away on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7:10 p. m., leaving us with the assurance that he had peace with his Lord.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 18. A short home service preceded the service in the Zoar Mennonite Church of Goltry, with Rev. Victor Graber and Rev. Reuben Koehn officiating. interment was made in the Karoma Cemetery. — The Family.