Unruh, Eva (1896-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Nov 21 p. 3

Birth date: 1896

text of obituary:

Brother and Sister Killed When Freight Train Crashed into Auto

Montezuma, Kan. — A railroad crossing accident shortly afternoon Sunday claimed the lives of Jonas Unruh, 69, and Eva Unruh, 67, blind brother and sister, as they were returning home from services at the North Mennonite Church (Church of God in Christ, Mennonite) northwest of here.

The two were passengers in a car driven by their sister, Dora Unruh, 65, who escaped with minor injuries when the car was hit by a Santa Fe freight train west of town.

The sisters and brother remained to visit after the morning services and were among the last to leave the church, where they had attended regularly for more than 50 years. Rev. Albert Unruh, one of the ministers, followed them down the road in his car and witnessed the crash. He and Miss Unruh was not driving fast, but drove onto the tracks without stopping.

W. F. Wilson of Newton, engineer of the eastbound train, said the train was traveling about 35 miles an hour. He used the whistle and bell in an effort to warn the approaching car. It was reported that the train was not scheduled and residents of the area were not accustomed to a train at that time of day.

The body of Eva Unruh was found about 55 feet from the point of impact, while the other two remained in the car.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Nov 28 p. 7

text of obituary:

Large Attendance For Double Funeral Services

Montezuma, Kan. — A largely attended funeral took place at the North Mennonite Church near here Nov. 20 as double services were held for Eva and Jonas Unruh, blind brother and sister who were instantly killed in a railroad crossing accident Sunday, Nov. 17.

Jonas Unruh, 69, and his sister Eva, 67, were passengers in a car when it was hit by a Santa Fe freight train west of town. Their sister Dora, 65, the driver, apparently failed to notice the approaching train and drove into its path. She was hospitalized at Dodge City with shock and bruises.

Jonas Unruh, though blind, was an expert brush maker and had made hundreds of brushes at the home where he resided with his two sisters. He also enjoyed gardening and raising fruit. His sister Eva worked as a seamstress and also helped with the housework.

Surviving in addition to the sister is one brother and his family.