Unruh, Carolina Ratzlaff (1884-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 May 6 p. 9

Birth date: 1884 Feb 11

text of obituary:

MRS. CAROLINE UNRUH

Mrs. Caroline (Ratzlaff) Unruh, daughter of Rev. Johann and Katherine (Unruh) Ratzlaff, was born at Moundridge, Kansas, on Feb. 11, 1884.

Her early childhood years were spent in Kansas. As a young girl she came to Oklahoma with her parents, arriving in March 1895. They settled on a farm near Meno. She spent the remaining years of her earthly life in this community.

On August 5, 1900, she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by her father, Rev. Johann Ratzlaff, and received into the New Hopedale Mennonite church of Meno.

On Feb. 8, 1903, she was united in marriage to David B. Unruh. Together they were able to share joys and sorrows of life till a ripe old age, a highlight of which was the celebration of their golden wedding anniversary in 1953.

She remained loyal to God and faithful to the church till the end. She found great joy in being able to witness for her Lord and Saviour. Those who knew her will always remember her by her passionate desire for the Lord’s return. As long as health permitted she was active in the mission society, also taught Sunday school for many years. Possibly her greatest ministry, especially in recent years, was as a prayer warrior for the church and for the salvation of souls.

On September 17, 1949, she suffered a stroke from which she never completely recovered. She spent the following years as an invalid confined to her home. Her condition was such that she needed constant care, which her loving husband rendered with tender hands.

However, as her condition became worse so that it was impossible to care for her at home she was admitted to the hospital on April 4. It seemed that all efforts were of no avail, for she was gradually losing strength, till the Lord called her Home on April 26, 1954, at the age of 70 years, two months, and 15 days.

She left behind her husband, David B. Unruh of the home; five children, Leslie and wife Katie, and their three children of Wichita, Kansas; Alpha and wife Almeda and their two children of Lahoma, Okla.; Margaret and husband Gus Nickel and their six children of Clinton, Okla.; Rebecca and husband Walter Reimer and their three children of Medford, Okla.; and Rudolph and wife Martha and their five children of Meno; one great-grandchild; also one sister, Sarah, Mrs. John J. Johnson of Meno.

Preceding her in death were one grandchild, her parents, also three sisters, Katherine, Mary, and Annie, and three brothers, Peter, John and Jacob.

Funeral services were held April 28, 1954, at the New Hopedale Mennonite Church, Meno. Rev. Arnold Epp officiating assisted by Rev. Albert Unruh, Enid, Okla. Rev. H. U. Schmidt led in a brief service in the home. A male quartet served with songs.

The Mennonite obituary: 1954 Aug 17 p. 512