Obituary: Joyce (Balzer) Unruh

Joyce (Balzer) Unruh, 84, of Newton, former resident of Hillsboro, passed away on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015.

Joyce Unruh
Joyce Unruh

She was born Jan. 27, 1931, to Herman and Hazel (Thomas) Balzer in Hillsboro, beginning life on a farm and attending country school, later moving to town, and graduating from HHS in 1948. She married Lee Unruh, who survives her, on June 27, 1952.

She also is survived by two sons, Michael (Trudy) of Hesston, Kelly (Luz) of Wichita, and daughter Lori (Tom) Lohrenz of Wichita; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She also is survived by sisters Berniece Ensz of Topeka and Jacque Herzet of Wichita, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents and sister, Jean Nestor. Joyce was a former librarian at Hillsboro Public Library, director of the Golden Years Center, and retired as an administrative assistant at Tabor College. She enjoyed reading, Bible study, needle arts, sewing, bowling, crafting and cooking.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at Salem United Methodist Church in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer?s Association, 1820 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214.

Petersen Funeral Home in Newton is in charge of arrangements.

0 replies on “Obituary: Joyce (Balzer) Unruh”