Unruh, Elizabeth Schmidt (1858-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Apr 7 p. 3

Birth date: 1858 Dec 17

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH SCHMIDT UNRUH

Elizabeth Schmidt Unruh has answered the call to follow our Lord and Savior into the realm of perfect peace. She was born on Dec. 17, 1858, in a province of Russia. In 1874 she, with her parents, migrated to America where as a girl she worked for some time in Lancaster, Pa. Later she came to McPherson county, Kansas.

On March 27, 1879, she was united in marriage with Adam Unruh, who preceded her in death Sept. 27, 1936.

Her life stands as a living memorial in this community as one of the pioneers in the up-building of God's work. Well can it be said, "She was a friend to all, giving unselfishly of her time, her love, and her service."

She loved her children, toiled and labored and prayed earnestly to admonish and bring them up in the path they ought to go. Her later years were spent with some of her children, who cared for her to the best of their ability until Feb. 28, when her condition was such that she required special care. She was taken to Mercy hospital at Moundrdige [sic Moundridge], Kans., where she spent 17 days, at times with severe pain, until the Master saw fit to change her abode from this present life to the Glory World, on March 17, 1949, at 5:20 p.m.

She was baptized at an early age and realized the importance of being born again and to walk in a close fellowship with her Savior. She was often heard to plead the precious blood of Calvary upon her sins, and expressed herself as having assurance of peace with her Lord. Her only regret was in not being able to render a greater service for her blessed Savior. She bore her last days of suffering patiently.

She and her husband shared joys and sorrows for 57 years and six months. One daughter, Mrs. Susie Schultz, and one infant son preceded just a step ahead, and are waiting on the other side.

Left to mourn her departure are five daughters, Mrs. Lena Jantz of Durham, Mrs. Mary Borton of Santa Barbara. Calif., Mrs. Agnes Ratzlaff of Newton, Mrs. Lydia Jantz of Newton, and Mrs. Elizabeth Richert of Huntington Park, Calif.; three sons, Dan of Newton, Henry of Hope, and Alvin of Canton; 41 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren. Three grandchildren and three great grandchildren also wait to welcome her on the golden shore.

She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. John Unruh of Enid, Okla., and one brother, David Schmidt of Buttonwillow, Calif.

"Farewell mother for just a short while." We hope to meet again where there shall be no more parting, no more sorrow, death or pain; but joy and peace throughout all eternity. — The bereaved family.