Montezuma - Our beloved father, grandfather, and husband, David Russel Unruh was born on August 15, 1929 to Abe J. and Elizabeth (Unruh) Unruh in rural Gray County. He quietly and peacefully passed to his eternal reward on September 13, 2021. He reached the age of 92 years.

He spent his childhood years on the farm with his seven siblings. He was baptized on October 24, 1943 at the age of 14 by Minister Jesse Johnson at Montezuma, into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, remaining faithful to the end. He married Vadalene Koehn on February 18, 1951. They enjoyed 54 years together. To this union were born three daughters and two sons. Our mother passed away in June of 2005, leaving Dad very lonely. In August of 2006, God led Dad and Julie Koehn to join hands in marriage, enjoying 15 years together. We appreciate her loving companionship with our father.

Born and raised during The Great Depression and Dust Bowl years shaped many life lessons. He learned to be a hard worker, resilient, and he had a generous, giving heart. He lived all his life in the Montezuma area except for a brief time in Georgia.

Dad had a zest for life which manifested itself in his many friends, hobbies, and his love for farming. He enjoyed taking risks at time, willing to become vulnerable. He reached out to others in helpful ways, especially those in adverse circumstances. Dad's struggles in life became an example to us as he gained the victory…forgiving and deepening his faith in our heritage. He always wanted to do what was right. As grandchildren came along, it brought joy to him when they gave their heart to the Lord. We are secure in his Heavenly reward and look forward to meet him someday.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sorrowing wife, Julie of Montezuma; two sons, Dennis and wife Cheryl of Dalhart, Texas and Chris and wife Cate of Grand View, Idaho; two daughters, Janet and husband Greg of Grand View, Idaho and Judy and husband Gene of Montezuma; son-in-law, Lynn Koehn and wife Gayla of Hartley, Texas; step-daughter, Dana Fricke and husband John of Grafton, North Dakota; 22 grandchildren; and 32 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Vadalene; his parents; seven siblings, Lillian Koehn, Vernon Unruh, John B. Unruh, Inez Unruh, Ruby Koehn, Robert Unruh, and Frank Unruh; one daughter, Karleen Koehn; and a granddaughter, Jana Koehn.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the General Mission Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.