Richard Unruh

Richard Lee Unruh died Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, Kansas. He was born July 25, 1936, in Halstead, Kansas.

Eighty-six years ago, Richard was born to Jake C. Unruh and Caroline (Seiler) Unruh at their home in Halstead, Kansas. He grew up in that same house on his parents’ farm. He attended a country grade school west of Halstead. His first jobs were doing chores and field work for a neighbor and carpentry work at various locations.

He met his beloved wife through his sister’s courtship.  On July 24, 1955, Richard and LaDean Lynn Unruh were married at the Pence Mennonite Church.  Most of his married life was spent in Wallace County where he enjoyed farming and attending the Wesleyan Church.

He loved his family and enjoyed the holidays and summer trips to Taylor Park in Colorado with his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and Eva.  He spent many weekends watching stock car races. He also enjoyed skiing and never missed an opportunity to hit the slopes with his wife, children and the county ski club.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife LaDean; his parents, Jake and Caroline Unruh; and his older brothers Alvin, Edwin and Glen.

He is survived by a sister, Lorene Hiebert of Iroquois, South Dakota; sister, Dorothy Unruh of Montezuma, Kansas; brother, Donald Unruh of Newton, Kansas; and brother, David Unruh and his wife Nola, of Gentry, Arkansas. He is also survived by his children: three sons, Dennis and his wife Lois of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania; Gary of Gaithersburg, Maryland; Jason and his wife Lori of Sharon Springs, Kansas; and daughter Linda and her husband Kent Blakely, of Helena, Montana. His treasures were his grandchildren: Dennis’ children, Jonathan, Heidi, Katrina, and Jordan; Gary’s son Justin; Jason’s children, Megan, Nathan, Isaac and Zachary; and Linda’s daughters, Lauren, Maike and Natalie. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.