Unruh, Carolyn Jantz (1862-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Sep 21 p. 6, 7

Birth date: 1862 Dec 5

text of obituary:

MRS. CAROLINA UNRUH

Carolina (Jantz) Unruh, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Jantz, was born in Poland, Russia on Dec. 5. 1862.

At the age of 12 years, in 1874, she migrated with her parents to America, and they settled in Pennsylvania for a time. In 1875 they moved to Kansas, locating on the farm where P. P. Johnson now lives. Living in a sod house and enduring the hardships of pioneer life was a privilege for the cause of their faith. Here she received her schooling, most of it in German, and in this community she grew to womanhood.

On Feb. 15, 1880, she was married to Peter H. Unruh. Seven children were born to this union, two sons dying in infancy. They shared life's joys and sorrows for over 49 years. They lived for a short time in Texas and at Durham, Kans., but most of their married life was spent in the Galva community.

Being convicted because of her sins, she accepted the Lord and upon the confession of her faith was baptized and received into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on Dec. 25, 1894, by Tobias A. Unruh. She remained true and faithful to her vows unto the end.

On January 9, 1928, our father and her husband died, leaving her a lonely widow. After his death she continued and carried on to a greater extent in the gift that was given her, that of caring for the sick. Aunt Carolina, as she was known by many, was always willing and ready to go day or night to help relieve the suffering. In this work she labored for years, until about three or four years ago. May God reward her for the sacrifice and service she rendered to others.

She had many trials and troubles and had to struggle during her life’s journey, but she had faith in Him who came to seek and to save. She was much interested in reading the Scriptures; her Bible was nearly always open when the family would come to her home in these last years. She confessed her short-comings and regretted her many mistakes but we believe she has gone Home to rest. She received special grace and strength in her last days so that she could go in peace, as she had set her house in order. She sent many prayers to the Throne of Grace and it appeared that she was praying as she drew her last breath.

At various times in her life she was afflicted, but would recover again. About four years ago she was seriously ill but recovered again sufficiently so that she went back to her home and was able to attend church services at various times. Several months ago she again took sick and had been ill ever since. She was cared for in the home of her daughter Carrie, who did all that could be done for her. The last few days she was in Mercy hospital, Moundridge, where she passed away on Thursday Aug. 31, 1950, at the age of 87 years, eight months and 25 days. Death was caused by pnuemonia [sic].

She leaves to mourn her departure five children, Mrs. Carrie Unruh, Andrew Unruh, and Mrs. Jonas Becker of Galva, Menno Unruh of Wichita, and Albert Unruh of Galva; three daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, 17 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, six great great grandchildren, and one brother, P. P. Johnson, with a host of other relatives and friends.

— The children.