Unruh, John T. (1871-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Dec 3 p. 9

Birth date: 1871 Jan 19

text of obituary:

JOHN T. UNRUH

Our beloved husband and father, John T. Unruh, was born on January 19, 1871, in Russia, and departed from this life on October 8, 1953.

In 1874 his parents, Tobias and Maria Unruh, left Russia with their small family together with a host of friends of like precious faith, seeking a home in America, the land of freedom. the first few years they lived in Kansas. later the family moved to South Dakota where the secured a farm from the U. S. Government. With the help of God a good beginning was made here.

In 1884 the family moved back to Kansas settling northeast of Moundridge. At the age of 18 father joined the Mennonite church at Moundridge.

In 1891 father was united in marriage with Nettie Jantz, daughter of John Jantz. Two sons were born to this union. After three short years this union was dissolved by the death of his companion.

In 1895 the Lord gave him a second companion in Nettie Schmidt. Seven children were born to this union.

In 1900 our parents moved to Oklahoma purchasing a farm northwest of Ringwood, where they resided till in May of 1942 when they left the farm and moved to Enid.

In 1912, during a series of revival meetings our parents were convicted of their lost estate and found forgiveness in the precious blood of Christ. Following their conversion they also were obedient in following the Lord in baptism. Father was firm in his faith in Christ until the end. When the parents moved to Enid they joined the fellowship of the City M. B. church. Father was a true member until the Lord called him home.

In 1945 our parents had the joy of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. It was their happy lot to spend 58 years and six months together.

On August 29, 1953, our parents moved to the home for the aged at Corn, Okla. Here father fell on Sept. 15 injuring himself to the extent that he was made bedfast, until the Lord graciously delivered him on Thursday morning Oct. 8, 1953, at the age of 82 years eight months and 18 days. His homegoing was peaceful and the fulfillment of the desire of his heart. He loved singing and was edified by the singing of the folks at home.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife; four sons, Henry of Lamar, Missouri, Pete of Blaine, Wash., Jonas of Enid, Okla., and Arthur of Ringwood, Okla.; three daughters, Elizabeth, Mrs. John J. Unruh of Bakersfield, Calif., Ruth, Mrs. Rudolph Herrgesell of Bakersfield and Marie, Mrs. A. B. Kliewer of Fairview, Okla.; two sons-in-law, four daughters-in-law, 24 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

Two children, son David and daughter Lena, Mrs. Emil Wichert, one grandchild and one great grandchild preceded him in death.

We keenly feel the loss of our beloved whose prayers and loving devotion we shall so sadly miss but we rejoice that he has gone to be with Jesus whom he so dearly loved. We anticipate a most joyous reunion in Glory. — The Bereaved Family.