Joan J. Unruh, age 86, of Iroquois, died Monday, January 4, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society at De Smet. Her funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 9th at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois. Burial was in the Faith Mennonite Church Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Good Samaritan Society of De Smet.
Our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Joan Joyce (Becker) Unruh was born April 3, 1929, to Fred P. and Amanda (Johnson) Becker at Moundridge, Kansas. She peacefully passed away January 4, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society in De Smet, South Dakota, at the age of 86.
She was baptized April 12, 1942, at Lone Tree Mennonite Church by Minister Jesse Johnson. Her childhood and early married life were spent in the Moundridge, Kansas area.
On April 17, 1949, Joan was united in marriage with our father, Sylvester L. Unruh at Lone Tree Mennonite Church by Minister Jesse Johnson at Galva, Kansas.
In 1956 the folks and their young family moved to Bancroft, South Dakota. She was attentive to our needs as children and lovingly cared for us. When Dad was ordained to the ministry, she faithfully stood by his side and supported him. Many people enjoyed her gracious hospitality. They were blessed with 57 precious years together.Dad's passing in 2007 left Mom very lonely. She welcomed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever they came to visit.
Those left to cherish precious memories are her four children, Michael (Elizabeth) Unruh of Yale, South Dakota, Nova (Darrel) Yost of Arthur, Illinois, Barbara (Robert) Ensz of Othello, Washington, and Patrick (Connie) Unruh of Bancroft, South Dakota; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; one brother, Chester (Janet) Becker of San Luis Obispo, California; one sister, Phyllis Koehn of West Point, Mississippi; one sister-in-law, Velma Boehs of Moundridge, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester, on January 26, 2007; one grandson; her parents; four brothers; and five sisters.As a family, we gratefully appreciate the loving care and friendship shown to our mother by the De Smet Good Samaritan Society.