Montezuma - Our dear mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Irene Mary Unruh, was born to Sam M. and Susie (Unruh) Smith on September 19, 1923 near Montezuma, Kansas. She had reasonably good health until the last few months. At the age of 99 years, she passed away at Bethel Home in Montezuma. Her passing was quiet and peaceful, the same way she lived her life.

She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on January 31, 1939 by Min. Jacob N. Yost. She remained faithful to those vows until the end, praying often for us as a family.

On December 31, 1944, she was united in marriage to Ezra Unruh at Salem Mennonite Church at Copeland, Kansas. Three days later, Dad left for Hill City, South Dakota to put in his two years of voluntary service. She was unable to join him until a month later, after Dad had found a place for her to live.

Growing up in the dirty 30's, as the second oldest of nine children, gave her a carefulness in taking care of things and how she spent money. She learned responsibility and work ethics at a young age. She received her education at Sunnyside Country School near Copeland, Kansas.

Our mother was a hard worker, diligently taking care of her family. Raising a big garden and the canning that went with it were an important part of her life. Mom was a good cook and very hospitable, often having company for meals. Our mother was well known for the different types of brittle she made around Christmas. At the age of 81, she made 113 batches, selling and also giving some away.

Mom was a supporter of Dad, often going for parts, helping survey for land leveling, and laying out pipe for irrigation. Our parents taught us that a job well done gave personal satisfaction. Their affection and respect for each other gave us a secure home. Dad's passing in 1986 left Mom lonely but she faced the next 36 years with courage. As time went on, as in-laws and grandchildren joined the family, each one found a special place in her heart.

Those left to cherish her memory are five children, Duane and Debbie Unruh of Greeley, Colorado, Cheryl Unruh of Montezuma, Kansas, Kenneth and Nancy Unruh of Lewis, Kansas, Daryl and Lynn Unruh of Cimarron, Kansas, and Darla and Larry Unruh of Hartley, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one sister, Doris and Bill Friesen of Perrinton, Michigan; and one brother, Milton and Shirley Smith of Dodge City, Kansas; and one brother-in-law, Lee Koehn of Montezuma, Kansas. Surviving on the Unruh side are eight sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law. Preceding her in death are her husband, Ezra; four sisters; and two brothers.

We would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness shown to us as a family at this time and a special thanks to the Bethel Home staff for the love and care given to our mother during her years in the home.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church, Copeland on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.