Belva Unruh

Belva E. Unruh, 94, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton.

She was born September 1, 1924, in Freeman, South Dakota to Ed and Anna (Tschetter) Waltner. She married Verney Unruh in 1946 and he preceded her in death on July 8, 2006.

She was a longtime member of First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas where she was active in many church activities including prison ministry, Sunday school teacher, and on the dinner committee to name a few. Belva also selflessly lent her talent as a pianist accompanying many musical groups, soloist and playing for many funerals though the years.

Belva attended schools in South Dakota, Bethel College in North Newton and Biblical Seminary of New York. She also was a graduate of Hesston College School of Nursing. Serving others was a joy and she was a dedicated Pastor’s wife, missionary and nurse during her working years.

Time spent quilting, reading and spending time with her loving family and many friends were looked forward to with anticipation.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter Patricia Tilton. She is also preceded in death by three brothers Homer, LaVerne and Don Waltner.

Belva is survived by her daughter and son in law Judi and Peter Mollenkof of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; son in law and his wife Bruce and Mim Tilton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; son and his wife Paul and Chris Unruh of Hesston, Kansas and daughter and her husband Barb and Ernie Beachey of Hudson, Wisconsin. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at First Mennonite Church in Newton with Pastor Anita Kehr presiding. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Memorials are suggested to MCC or First Mennonite Church in care of Petersen Funereal Home.

Tags from the story
0 replies on “Belva Unruh”