Greensburg - Our father, Clayton Calvin, was born to Ike and Mornie Unruh on a farm in Canton, Kansas on October 7, 1927.  Early on, the first name was dropped and he was known to all as Calvin.  Being the fourth child (all boys), his parents saw the need to expand the farming operation to support the growing family.  Since no opportunities were available around Canton, a move was made in 1930 to a farm seven miles southwest of Greensburg.  But it was the beginning of the depression and dust bowl years, and many struggles and trials were to define his early childhood and youth.  Despite these hardships, Calvin remembers that he and his five brothers and one sister always had enough of the essentials; food, clothing and shelter.

Calvin attended a nearby one room country school through the 8th grade.  His father believed in keeping his boys busy with farm work and chores, but Calvin also remembers the fun times he and his brothers had growing up.  The hard times of the depression years were followed by more hard times during the war when necessary items became scarce.

Dad gave his heart to God and was baptized on December 22, 1940, by Minister Albert Unruh into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. He remained faithful to his vows until death.

When Dad was 22, he married our mother, Jennie Lou Jantz, and they were married 72 years before her passing.  They settled on a farm nearby, and three children were born to them:  David in 1952, Stanley in 1954, and Jolene in 1959. Times were difficult in those early years of family life, and Calvin spent long hours farming, raising hogs and cattle, and working at the lumber yard in Greensburg.  But Dad always found time for his family, and we have fond memories of him playing with us during those difficult years.  His grandchildren have the same fond memories of a playful grandpa.

Dad had a lifetime occupation of farming and working on construction jobs, continuing to be involved in farming operations until the age of 90.  In 1969 Dad moved the family back to the home place where he grew up, and in 1975 another move was made closer to town.  In 2009 Dad and Mom rented an apartment in town.   When Mother began to have mobility issues and found household chores difficult, Dad took over and lovingly cared for her until 2019 when they both moved into a full care room at Bethel Home in Montezuma.  When visiting them, it was evident the love they had for their caregivers was genuinely returned.

Dad was outgoing, loved people, and never knew a stranger.  He loved humor, and always had a story to tell.  He loved children most of all, and usually had in his pocket candy "smarties" to hand out to them.  Dad also liked poetry, and in addition to writing poems, would memorize and recite them.  He loved to write letters, which were usually sprinkled with his own brand of humor.

Dad enjoyed his twilight years at Bethel Home, and the family appreciates the love and care our parents received.  He kept busy with daily exercise, word puzzles, letter writing and reading.  He made many friends, and was always ready for some lighthearted conversation and teasing.  He was truly a unique person, and loved by many.  We will miss him.

Calvin's survivors include his daughter-in-law, Elaine Unruh of Greensburg; son, Stanley Unruh and wife Cathlyn of Ozawkie; daughter, Jolene Unruh and husband Jerrold of Potwin; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Surviving siblings are Gordon Unruh of Greensburg, Isaac Unruh of Montezuma, Carolyn Holdeman of Emelle Alabama, and Bob Unruh of Montezuma.  Preceding him in death were his wife, Jennie Lou Unruh; son, David Unruh; and brothers, Allen Unruh and Paul Unruh.

Funeral service will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church, Greensburg on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Mark Dirks, Roderick Nace, and Charles Schmidt presiding.  Burial will follow at Bethel Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Bethel Mennonite Church on Tuesday August 15, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home or Valley View Christian School in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfunerhome.com.