Unruh, Vernon (1920-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Mar 19 p. 8

Birth date: 1920 Jul 24

text of obituary:

VERNON UNRUH

Vernon Unruh, son of Abe J. and Lizzie Unruh, was born July 24, 1920, at Montezuma, Kansas. He passed away Tuesday evening, Feb. 17, 1959, reaching the age of 38 years, six months and four days.

Vernon and Esther Yost were married on March 15, 1942. This union was blessed with six children, all of whom survive.

Early in 1942 Vernon realized his great need for salvation. Upon his faith in Jesus Christ and confession of his sins, he was baptized and united with the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on Jan. 4, 1942. He remained a faithful member until his death.

Vernon received his education in the Montezuma schools and spent his entire life here except for about three and one-half years while he was in public service. He was very industrious and a successful farmer. His honest and straight-forward disposition won the respect of those who knew him.

Vernon enjoyed his family. He was a wonderful father and husband. His cheerful and friendly attitude in home and community made him many friends. He will be greatly missed.

Vernon enjoyed good health and was able to be about his work until last June when it became evident that he was not well. Medical aid was sought, and on June 27 he underwent surgery at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. He recovered nicely and was soon able to be at home. However, in October his illness recurred. He spent the last months of his life in his home. Here his family and his sister, Ruby, who was on leave from her work at Mercy Hospital, did all that was humanly possible to make him comfortable.

In his affliction Vernon was drawn very near to his Heavenly Father. He often remarked about the goodness of God and expressed his desire to get well and be a living witness for his Lord. However, on Tuesday evening at 6:30 o'clock, he quietly and peacefully fell asleep at his home. We have the blessed assurance that the one whom we loved so much is sweetly resting in the Arms of Jesus.

Those who remain to mourn his early departure are his deeply bereaved wife, Esther; six children, John Paul, Sharon Kay, Vernon Dale,Glennis Diane, Rebecca Lea, and Joe Clark; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abe J. Unruh; three sisters, Lillian (Mrs.John R. Koehn) of Montezuma, Inez of Pinon, Ariz., and Ruby, Moundridge; four brothers, John, Dave and Frank of Montezuma, and Bob, Sublette; one grandmother, Mrs. John B. Unruh, Galva; 17 uncles and aunts and many other relatives and friends.