An expanded obituary project of
MennObits. Includes additional information of obituaries
appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers. Source of
individual obituaries given with each record. Project managed by
Thelma Martin.
2024
T to V
Thomas, Ira
September 11, 1930 - August 25, 2024
Ira Thomas, 93, of Goshen, passed away peacefully at 1:55 am, on Sunday, August 25, [2024] at his residence. He was born on September 11, 1930, in Custer County, OK, to Ben and Lovina (Mullet) Thomas. On October 7, 1952, in Custer County, he married Susie Beachy, Susie died October 6, 2016.
Surviving are four daughters, Sharon (Marvin) Weirich of Middlebury, Linda (Samuel) Miller of Strawberry, AR, Leona (Tim) Beachy of Columbia City, Lisa (Kevin) Sharick of Goshen; son, Edward (Melissa) Thomas of Middlebury; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sister, Lovina Stutzman of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Marion Thomas; great-granddaughter, Layla Miller; three sisters, Katie Bontrager, Amanda Stutzman, Miriam Miller; three brothers, Pete, Martin, and Benjamin "Benny" Thomas.
He was a member of Woodlawn (Mennonite) Church and owner of Miller Door & Trim for 20 years. He had a creative mind that was reflected through his unique woodworking; a passion that allowed him to gift family members with beautiful furniture to pass down for generations. He had a servant heart that led him to serve on many Christian Aid Ministries trips (in the states and internationally) and was generous with his resources to bless others.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 28, at Woodlawn Church, 62861 CR 41 Goshen. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday August 29, also at the church. Services will be conducted by members of Ira’s family and the Woodlawn pastoral team. Burial will be in Thomas Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Christian Aid Ministries (CAM).
Toews, John E. (Dr.)
July 20, 1937 - September 29, 2024
Toews, John E. passed quietly on Sunday, September 29th in Newton, Massachusetts. John is survived by his brother, James Toews and his wife Susan Mentley-Toews of Oregon, and John's 3 adult children, Delora, her husband Tim of Newton, MA, Dawn and Mark both of California and John's cherished 3 grandchildren, Taylor, Zachary and Tessa. Arlene A. Toews, John's beloved wife of 61 years passed July 17, 2019.
John and Arlene's life together was on of many moves for John's career and the joys and sorrows of raising a family. John's tenure in the Mennonite Church and its Institutions will be remembered for the impact he made in moving the Church forward. Research and reading along with watching professional basketball remained passions through out his life. He also reveled in his grandchildren's varied interests.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in John's memory to: Conrad Grebel University College, student scholarships (friends of the University of Waterloo) Conrad Grebel University College, 200 University Avenue W., Waterloo ON. N2L 9Z9.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
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GROWING UP IN THE CENTER
John E. Toews was born July 20, 1937 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He was the first of three sons born to J.B. and Nettie Unruh Toews, “a very sweet healthy baby,” who, according to his mother, “attracted the attention of everyone.” 1
He was a child born into a family of achievers. His father, “JB,” was a young Russian Mennonite emigrant to Canada who had studied at the University of the Ukraine and the University of Amsterdam before making his way to the Canadian prairies. 2 JB had hoped to study medicine but found himself drawn into church leadership and ministry. He became one of the most influential men in the North American Mennonite Brethren community, serving as pastor to key congregations and occupying nearly every seat of power in the denomination. His ambition and strong will were moderated by a deep piety, but inevitably the call of the church took center stage in his life.
John’s mother, Nettie, was the American girl his father wooed and won while studying at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. Nettie was born into a relatively wealthy Mennonite Brethren family settled in Marion, South Dakota. She left home to pursue an education and met JB while studying at Tabor Academy after she had finished her nursing program. Frequently left alone to manage their household and raise their sons, Nettie learned to tackle house remodeling and make significant financial decisions for the family on her own. 3 At her funeral, her sons described her as “the center . . . the nurturing, the loving, the caring, the gentle, the constant presence” who, as a nurse, “fretted endlessly over the health of her family.”
At Tabor, John also met Arlene Classen, a young woman from Meade, Kansas who was a transfer student from Grace Bible Institute. John and Arlene conveniently found themselves working together, and courting, in a campus organization know as the Christian Fellowship Association. 20 They were married August 8, 1958. That fall, Arlene began teaching in an elementary school classroom and John began work on his master’s degree at WSU.
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John E. Toews, former president of Conrad Grebel University College and a biblical scholar who taught at several Anabaptist institutions, died Sept. 29 in Newton, Mass. He was 87.
Toews led Grebel from 1996 to 2002, arriving during a time of financial stress. He balanced the budget, grew the donor base (with donations to the annual fund growing by almost 500%) and expanded the student residence. He developed a strategic plan that led to the creation of a peace center and a graduate program in peace and conflict studies, expansion of the PACS undergraduate program and expansion of the master’s degree program in theology.
“Those of us who live, work and study at Grebel today owe a debt of gratitude to John Toews,” said President Marcus Shantz. “His leadership during a tough period ensured the long-term future of this place.”
Toews was academic dean at Grebel from 1971 to 1973 and taught at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, Tabor College and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, where he served as dean.
He cultivated an interest in biblical studies, history and theology, writing the 2004 Believers Church Bible Commentary volume on Romans, along with The Story of Original Sin in 2013. He was an editor of Power of the Lamb?(1986) and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: Women in Ministry in the Church (1992).
In a 2009 biographical sketch in the MB journal Direction, former FPBS vice president and dean Valerie Rempel noted that Toews pushed to revitalize the church’s commitment to peacemaking and living as a covenanting, countercultural community.
“John was deeply disappointed when delegates to the [MB] General Conference convention in 1993 failed to affirm women for pastoral ministry and unsurprised when the number of women enrolling at MBBS began to decline,” she wrote. “Still, he continued to be a strong advocate for women, encouraging their academic endeavors, and helping to steer them into conference, church and institutional leadership wherever he could.”
Toews was active during the 1960s in the Mennonite Graduate Student Seminar, bringing together students from the Mennonite Brethren, the General Conference Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Church with an interest in recovering an Anabaptist vision.
From 1980 to the mid ’90s, Toews brought energy to MB task forces and boards working on peace education, women in ministry, revisions to the Confession of Faith and orientation for new pastors.
“He called for an identity that was separate from the traditions that so often defined MB church life and theology; a peoplehood defined by identity in Christ rather than Mennonite folkways,” Rempel wrote. “. . . His childhood, spent observing the workings of church and conference life on both sides of the border, gave him an instinctive understanding of MB culture, politics and personalities, and he was able to effectively use that knowledge as he worked to hold together an increasingly fragmented church.”
Toews was born July 20, 1937, in Saskatoon, Sask., and grew up in Buhler, Kan.; Winnipeg, Man.; Reedley, Calif.; and Hillsboro, Kan.; where his father, J.B. Toews, was a pastor, college president and missions secretary. As a student at Tabor College, he met his wife, Arlene (Classen). They were married in 1958. She died in 2019. He earned a doctorate in New Testament Studies from Northwestern University-Garrett Theological Seminary.
He is survived by his children, Delora, Dawn and Mark; a brother, James Toews; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held later this year in Fresno, Calif.
Troyer, Clarence Richard
December 7, 1937 - July 15, 2024 (age 86)
Clarence Richard Troyer, a prolific builder in Northeastern Ohio, age 86, passed away July 15, 2024, surrounded by his entire family, following a brief illness. He was born in Hartville, OH on December 7, 1937 to Moses and Edna (Troyer) Troyer. He was married to Sarah Ann Sommers on November 22, 1958.
In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his step-mother, Amy (Eash) Troyer, nephew, Brendan Zehr, sister, Esther Coblentz, nephew, Myron Coblentz, and brother, Donnie Troyer. He is survived by Sarah, his wife of 65 years, three sons: Terry (Wanra) of Chesapeake, VA, Bob (Leora) of Kidron, OH, Richard, of Richmond, VA, and one daughter: Amanda (Greg) Pudloski of Stow, OH, five grandchildren: William, Andrew, Benjamin Troyer, Jack, and Emma Pudloski. Also brother: Mervin (Nina) Troyer, sister Ruth (Nathan) Zehr, brothers-in-law: Leon Coblentz and Owen Stoll, sisters-in-law: Amanda Overholt, Ruth Miller, and Martha Sommers, along with many nieces and nephews.
Clarence’s mother died on his ninth birthday and his father kept the family together. In third grade he met the love of his life, who he married; they raised four children together. Clarence and Sarah have remained lifelong members of Cornerstone Community Chapel (formerly Marlboro Mennonite), where he filled many roles such as Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and youth sponsor with Sarah. While Sarah managed the Hartville Thrift Shoppe, Clarence actively participated with her to make it very successful. Clarence was well-known as a successful builder; in semi-retirement he was a sought-after supervisor for various building projects, culminating in the construction of the Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market.
As a follower of Jesus, Clarence chose to use his gifts and strength to serve others. He was often asked to lead a group of skilled craftsmen in local building projects of homes and Mennonite institutions. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Mennonite Disaster Service, and building projects in Nicaragua and Guatemala. He was quietly generous with both time and resources.
Clarence deeply loved and enjoyed his family. Nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. Fishing, sled-riding, golf cart and tractor-riding, attending sporting and musical events were some of the highlights. He is profoundly missed by his family. Everyone will miss his heartwarming smile.
Clarence was a life-long learner, using critical thinking skills and his love for reading, to seek wisdom in how to bring about God’s kingdom on earth.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 18th from 4-7 p.m. at Hartville Conservative Church, 10547 Market Ave. N., Uniontown, Ohio, 44685.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Community Chapel, 1250 Edison St. NW., Hartville, Ohio, 44632.
A viewing will take place Friday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Community Chapel until the time of the service.
Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HEAL Palestine at : HEAL Palestine or
Mennonite Central Committee at: Mennonite Central Committee
Troyer, Erma Sue Yoder
September 21, 1957 - July 29, 2024
Erma Sue Troyer, age 66 of New Paris, IN, passed away peacefully at 12:20 pm on Monday, July 29, 2024 at IU Health University Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by her family. Erma was born on September 21, 1957 in Rensselaer, IN to Calvin and Fannie (Mast) Yoder. On October 28, 1982 she married Gary Troyer. They lived in Holy Matrimony 41 years and 9 months.
Surviving are her husband, Gary Troyer of New Paris; 3 sons: Anthony (Ashley) Troyer of Elkhart, IN, Aaron Troyer of Middlebury, IN, and Loren (Angela) Troyer of New Paris; 5 daughters: Amanda (Special Friend Matthew Morgan) Troyer of Elkhart, Amy (Special Friend Tony Dahm) Troyer of Cromwell, Anita (Duane) Chupp of Goshen, IN, Regina (Marcus) Miller of Middlebury, and LaWanda (Special Friend Jon Mark Avilla) of Milford; 16 grandchildren; 4 brothers: Ervin Yoder of South Carolina, Lester (Judy) Yoder of Middlebury, Calvin (Denise) Yoder Jr. of Cromwell, and Weldon (Elnora) Yoder of Nappanee; 2 sisters: Edna (John) Herz of Bradford, TN and Sarah (Delbert) Chupp of Millersburg, IN; brother-in-law, Lisle (Brenda) Slabaugh of Bremen; sisters-in-law: Dawn Yoder of Wolcottville, IN and Wanita Yoder of Goshen; and many nieces and nephews.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Henry, Chris, Raymond, and Fred Yoder; and sisters, Verna Burkholder and Irene Slabaugh.
Erma was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. She loved her family deeply and loved to sing.
Visitation will be held after 2 pm Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and all day, Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the Wayne Miller Residence (21368 CR 52 New Paris, IN 46553). Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Friday, August 2, 2024, also at the Wayne Miller Residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Marlin Miller and Home Ministries of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will take place at West Union Center Cemetery. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
Troyer, Jacob E.
November 8, 1934 - September 19, 2024
Jacob E. Troyer, 89, of 7414 S. Carr Rd., Fredericksburg, OH, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at his home while surrounded by his family after a lingering illness.
He was born on Nov. 8, 1934 in Holmes County to the late Emanuel and Mattie (Miller) Troyer and married Martha J. Byler on Nov. 15, 1956. She preceded him in death on Aug. 6, 2022. He was a member of the New Order Christian Fellowship and was ordained to the ministry in 1995 at the age of 60 years. He faithfully proclaimed God’s Word as long as his health permitted.
Surviving is his sister, Amanda E. Troyer of Fredericksburg; his children and their spouses, Amanda and Ben Troyer of Apple Creek, Mahlon and Joanna Troyer of Millersburg, Miriam Burkholder of Brooksville, KY, Viola and Lonnie Weaver of Fredericksburg and Anna Troyer and Rhoda Troyer both of the home; 25 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, Ella Byler of Apple Creek, Anna Yoder of Deer Lodge, TN and Jemima Shetler of Fredericksburg and a brother-in-law, Bill Byler of Millersburg.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Levi Miller, Jr., daughter-in-law, Betty Troyer, son-in-law, Robert Burkholder; his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Sol and Katie Byler, 5 stillborn brothers and sisters; 3 brothers-in-law, Mahlon Byler, Eli Yoder and Dan Shetler; 3 sisters-in-law, Lizzie Byler Edna Byler and Emily Byler.
Services will be Sunday. Sept. 22nd at 9:00 a.m. at the Joseph Miller residence, 7750 Weaver Rd., Fredericksburg with Minister Roy Keim officiating. Burial will be in the Troyer Cemetery, Salt Creek Township. Friends may call anytime after 2:00 p.m. on Friday, at the Miller residence. The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff of Ohio’s Hospice Life Care and to the neighbors and to the church for all the care and support.
Troyer, Lawrence L.
November 4, 1929 - March 25, 2024
Lawrence L. Troyer, 94, Goshen, died Monday, 6 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born November 4, 1929, in Martland, Nebraska, to Joseph A. & Edna E. (Augustine) Troyer. On June 3, 1951, he married Evelyn M. (Tyson) Troyer.
Surviving are his wife, Evelyn, Goshen, 4 children, Keith (Renita) Troyer, Elkhart, Dawn Troyer, Goshen, Jane (Rod) Swick, Florida & Joan Troyer, Goshen, 6 grandchildren, Sheila (Kenny Tinkel) Troyer, Joe (Jen) Troyer, Darrel (Misty) Troyer, Andrew Swick, Ben Swick & Clayton Swick, 5 great-grandchildren, Chandler, Kennidi, Breece, Kinze & Jaxon, 1 great-great-grandson, Mason and a sister, Wilma (Dick) Dean, Pennsylvania.
Preceding him in death are his parents, 1 son, Kent Arlen Troyer, 4 siblings, Delores Esh, Wynona Harrington, Maynard Troyer & Lyle Troyer and a daughter-in-law, Ruthie Troyer.
Lawrence was a farmer; worked at trailer factories for 23 years and was a plumber for 21 years. A member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, he sang in the men’s quartet and was a member of the cemetery committee. Lawrence loved fishing, camping and being outdoors.
Visitation will be 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, 64901 CR 11, Goshen, Indiana. Burial will be 1st at 12 p.m. at the church cemetery, followed by a memorial service in the church at 12:30 p.m., also on Monday. Pastor Wes Bontreger will officiate. Memorial donations may be directed to Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.
Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is handling arrangements.
Troyer, Mary Kuhns
February 26, 1929 - June 1, 2024
Mary (Kuhns) Troyer, age 95 of Plain City, Ohio completed her journey here on earth on June 1, 2024. She is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her source of peace, comfort and joy. She was born in Kileville, Ohio February 26, 1929.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Abraham J and Susanna (Beachy) Kuhns; her husband, Leroy D Troyer, whom she married July 1, 1951; siblings: Eli Kuhns, Fannie Troyer, Sylvia Kuhns, Amanda Hostetler, Emma Beachy, Alma Kuhns, Elmer Kuhns, and Katie Yoder; and son-in-law Delbert Miller.
She is survived by; her sister: Edna Kaufman; 6 children: Clifford (Marilyn) Troyer, Marlene (Tim) Kirchner, Brenda (Scott) Hansen, Joyella (Ron) Stoll, Judy Miller and Galen (Stephanie) Troyer; 11 grandchildren: Aaron and Matthew Troyer, Kelsie Harcup, Brian Hansen, Brianna Gingerich, Wendie Garden, Tonya Padget, Mitchel Stoll, Davis and Clay Troyer and Cassady Troyer Schnippel; 20 great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law (Alvin and Larry Troyer) and many nieces and nephews.
Mary loved being a mother, reading, Christian radio, gardening, puzzling, traveling, winters in Florida and was a lifetime learner. She loved time with her loved ones including many of her church family.
Mary will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her quick smile, her heart for her Savior and her family. She had a joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew her. She also loved her church family, where she attended since the 1940s.
As the family of Mary Troyer, we especially want to thank the United Bethel Mennonite Church family for the many visits with Mom and the support for her during her final years. Now with her passing, we appreciate the prayers, support, food, and assistance during this time. May God bless you for your generosity and deeds of kindness. A special thank you to the staff at Worthington Christian Village for the exceptional care given to our mother during this past year.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday June 5th, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the United Bethel Mennonite Church 11342 Lafayette Plain City Rd, Plain City, OH 43064. A funeral service will be held on Thursday June 6th, 2024 at 10 AM also at the church. Interment to follow at United Bethel Cemetery. Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home Plain City, Ohio is honor to care for the Mary Troyer family.
Troyer, Raymond L.
December 4, 1945 - January 31, 2024
Raymond "Ray" L. Troyer, 78, of LaGrange, (district: 10-1), died at 10:35 am on Wednesday, January 31, [2024] at Life Care Center, LaGrange. He was born on December 4, 1945, in Goshen, to Enos S. and Edna L. (Troyer) Troyer. On December 11, 1971, in Middlebury, he married Lorene C. Bontrager, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are four sons, Leonard (Ruth) Troyer of Howe, Enos (Susan) Troyer of LaGrange, Chris (Carolyn) Troyer of LaGrange, and Jerry (Susie) Troyer of Howe; daughter, Lisa (Nelson) Chupp of White Pigeon, MI; 22 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vernon (Ida Mae) Troyer of Goshen and Gerald (Elsie) Troyer of Shipshewana; brother-in-law, Levi (Esther) Yoder of Millersburg; sister-in-law, Erma Troyer of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Ellen Yutzy and Pauline Yoder; brother, Wayne Troyer; brother-in-law, Eli Yutzy.
Ray was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was ordained as minister on October 17, 1999, and then as Bishop in 2013.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 1, and all-day Friday, February 2, at the Enos Troyer Residence: 1640 S. 250 W., LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 3, at Elite Metal Supplies: 1245 S. 250 W., LaGrange. Services will be conducted by Bishop DeWayne Bontrager and the home ministers. Burial will be in Beechy Cemetery, LaGrange.
Ulrich, Donna Lou Martin
April 18, 1939 - January 5, 2024
Donna Lou Ulrich, 84, of Metamora, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:11 pm.
Donna was born on April 18, 1939, in Hopedale, IL, to Orva and Verna (Kennell) Martin. She was united in marriage to Leonard Ulrich on November 27, 1958. They had recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.
She is survived by her husband, Leonard; two sons, Roger (Joyce) Ulrich of Metamora, IL and Duane (Loretta) Ulrich of Benson, IL; two daughters, Phyllis (Rick) Zoss of Canon City, CO and Diane (David) Kennell of Sarasota, FL; sixteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; two sisters, Loretta Ulrich of Washburn, IL and Marilyn Davis of Cazenovia, IL; and two brothers, John Martin of Tampico, IL and Delmar Martin of Delavan, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Ron Martin, two sisters, Carol Martin and Susan Christner, two brothers-in-law, Jim Ulrich and Karuna Davis, and one granddaughter, Alysha Ulrich.
Donna was a homemaker and did the book work for their business. She blessed many people with her love for baking. Her grandchildren remember her reading books, playing games with them, and always having cookies or ice cream bars to snack on.
After retirement, she and Leonard enjoyed working together at Choice Books. Then, spending their winters in Florida.
She accepted Christ in her youth and was a lifetime member of the Linn Mennonite Church. The family expressed appreciation to the kind staff at Compassus Hospice.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Linn Mennonite Church, 1594 County Road 1700 N, Roanoke, IL with church ministers officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 and also one hour prior to services on Thursday, both at the church. Burial will be in Stewart Harmony Cemetery, County Road 1300 E, Metamora. Memorials may be given to Choice Books, 10100 Piper Lane, Briston, VA 20136.
Ulrich, Leonard Raymond
August 18, 1937 - March 12, 2024
Leonard Raymond Ulrich, 86, of Metamora, IL, passed away at Carle Health-Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:04 pm.
Leonard was born on August 18, 1937, in Shelbyville, IL, to Elmer and Lydia (Hostetler) Ulrich. He was united in marriage to Donna Lou Martin on November 27, 1958. She passed away on January 6, 2024. They had recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.
He is survived by two sons and two daughters, Roger (Joyce) Ulrich of Metamora, IL, Duane (Loretta) Ulrich of Benson, IL, Phyllis (Rick) Zoss of Canon City, CO, and Diane (David) Kennell of Sarasota, FL; sixteen grandchildren; and thirty great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers, three sisters, and one granddaughter, Alysha Ulrich.
Leonard was the owner of Ulrich Oil Company in Metamora. He enjoyed water skiing, boating, and spending time helping people in the community. After retirement, he and Donna enjoyed working together at Choice Books. Then, spending their winters in Florida.
He accepted Christ in his youth and was a lifetime member of the Linn Mennonite Church.
The family expresses appreciation to the kind staff at Carle Health-Methodist Hospital.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Linn Mennonite Church, 1594 County Road 1700 N, Roanoke, IL with church ministers officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024 and also one hour prior to services on Sunday morning, both at the church. Burial will be in Stewart Harmony Cemetery, County Road 1300 E, Metamora. Memorials may be given to Choice Books, 10100 Piper Lane, Briston, VA 20136.
Unruh, Douglas Keith
November 20, 1962 – April 02, 2024
Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at Plainview Mennonite Church. The committal service will be at Plainview Mennonite Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held at Sevier Funeral Home in Chickasha, Oklahoma from Thursday, April 4, 2024, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. until Saturday, April 6, 2024, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Douglas Keith Unruh, my husband, our dad and grandpa, was born to Gilbert and Erma Jean (Schmidt) Unruh on November 20, 1962, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He peacefully departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on April 02, 2024, at our home, surrounded by his family.
His first years were spent in the parental home east of Chickasha, and he attended the first three years of school in the Friend school system. After the 3rd grade, he moved to the Pioneer area and attended the Pioneer Public School through the 8th grade. Though this completed his formal education, he later received his GED. He was a lifelong learner, always enjoying finding or figuring out something new.
As a young man of 13 years, the Lord Jesus called him to be His servant, and he answered that call and was converted to the Christian way of life. It was his choice to join the Plainview Mennonite Congregation, and on February 25, 1976, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, by Minister Chester L. Koehn. He remained faithful to his calling and his vows.
On March 17, 1985, he married me, Janifer Unruh, and we had the joy of welcoming two children into our home. Our son Zachary was born on February 10, 1997, and our daughter Jessica was born on October 9, 2004. A special time was gaining our daughter-in-law Alicia in 2018. Doug was my “rock” in so many ways. He always seemed to have the answers that I needed for the questions that come in life. It didn’t matter if they were spiritual or the natural questions that come; in his quiet way, he would find an answer.
During our marriage, Doug worked in several occupations to earn a living for his family: farming, carpentry, mechanic, and, for the last 16 years, owning and operating a trucking business. He was industrious, and it was a talent he had to figure out how things worked, making difficult jobs look easy. He liked to live the adage” work smarter, not harder.”
Being a Christian was his highest calling, and he felt a need to give time to spreading the Gospel. In the year 2000, the Church sent us, as a family, to Nicaragua. We were there for four years, returning home in 2004 with the added blessing of bringing our infant daughter Jessica home, born during our stay there.
Doug enjoyed visiting with others. He also had a special love for the Spanish language and Hispanic people. He often used Spanish when he could and enjoyed speaking it with people he met. He studied Spanish before going to Nicaragua, and being there immersed him in becoming conversant. His latest interest was the German language.
Doug was a willing worker in the congregation and served where needed. From song leader to usher, he was willing to do his part. He was a willing worker during our church remodel. He was civic-minded, serving ten years as a volunteer fireman on the Pioneer Fire Department.
If we wished to know about relationships between people, we asked Doug! Genealogy was a passion for him, and he answered many questions. He spent much time developing his extended family tree.
In May of 2021, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought this disease heroically and with an uncomplaining attitude. He prayed that he and his family could accept his lot in life and not grow bitter. His desire to live was not just for himself but for his family and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Though many prayers were offered on his behalf, this was not to be. As his disease progressed and it became apparent that his time was drawing to a close, he thought more of Heaven and spoke of wanting to be there. His slow decline allowed him to review his life, and he approached this quietly and thoughtfully. He cleared his way with anyone whom he felt he owed an apology. He was keen to his condition, and on the last day of his ability to converse, he asked that his family be called so he could tell them goodbye. He spoke briefly to each one. He especially encouraged me (his wife) to not become bitter. After telling each of his children goodbye, he prayed with each one alone, whispering his prayer. The next day would have been too late. His last whispered words were, “Hey Jessi!”
He leaves behind his sorrowing family: his wife, Janifer, son Zachary and wife Alicia, and their two children, Kinzley Rayann and Kylan Ross. Daughter Jessica Raquel (Jessi), Father, Gilbert Unruh of Chickasha, OK. Siblings: Allen and wife Soonie, Brenda, and husband Mark Nightingale of Cement, OK. Marty and wife Kimberly, Clifford and wife Letha of Chickasha, OK. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve and wife Anita, Phillip and wife Tammy of Verden, OK. Shilly and husband DeVern of Helena, OK. And many special nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his four grandparents, his mother Erma Jean Unruh, Father-in-law Jesse Unruh, Mother-in-law Dorothy Unruh, niece Makenzi Unruh, and great-nephews Easton Schmidt and Skylar Nightingale.
We extend a special thank you to the Plainview congregation for your wonderful support during this difficult time. The prayers, food, visits, and helping hands have made a burden lighter. Thank you to our sister congregation, Prairie Hills, for their kind support. A special thank you to our niece Kara for helping us care for Doug during the last weeks of his illness. We especially thank his oncologist, Dr. Carla Kurkjian, for her compassionate care. Thank you to Lifeline Hospice for caring for Doug during his final weeks. It was much appreciated.