Eileen Unruh

Eileen’s expectation and hope was that, “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20b-21

Eileen Unruh was born to John and Bertha Hiebert Wiebe on July 10, 1936. She was lovingly taken into the presence of her heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 30, 2026. The most important decision Eileen made was to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and she trusted Him as her Savior at an early age. She served the Lord throughout her life in Sunday School, VBS, kids club, AWANA, and by mentoring many younger ladies. Scripture was often found in the countless letters she wrote over her lifetime. Most Sundays Eileen would come to church with a handful of cards to deliver to church mailboxes. She loved Newton Bible Church and was the last living charter member.

At her 8th grade graduation, where all the schools of Harvey County were represented, Eileen sat next to a handsome young man - Virgil Unruh. They grew up 8 miles apart and attended different one room township schools. According to Eileen, not a word was spoken between them that evening. For high school, they both attended Berean Academy. Virgil asked Eileen out to the Junior/Senior Banquet and the romance started. Their favorite and most frequent date was Sylvan’s Ice Cream Shop in Newton where they would enjoy a chocolate shake together. The enjoyment of eating ice cream together continued throughout marriage. Because the sanctuary at Newton Bible Church wasn’t completed yet, they were married at First Baptist Church in Newton on August 17, 1956. God blessed their marriage greatly as they prioritized family and church.

Eileen and Virgil did everything together and Eileen was a great helpmeet to Virgil. Over the years her roles on the family farm included driving tractor, grain truck, treating calves, and raising registered Westies and Soft Coated Wheatons. Together Virgil and Eileen brought up their children in the admonition of the Lord and supported them by attending many sporting and musical events. Saturday evenings were reserved for practicing songs for Virgil directing music at church on Sunday. Eileen supported Virgil as he served many years as Sunday School superintendent, deacon and elder at Newton Bible Church. One of their favorite memories was serving together in providing yearly church faspas. Their later years have been full of enjoying the 31 great-grandchildren who joined their family. The great-grands cherished visits with Eileen and always left with a paper bag full of animal crackers.

This past year was a challenge for Eileen as she dealt with many issues. She maintained a focus on her Lord through all of her suffering. She would often answer “I have the joy of the Lord” when asked how she was doing. Eileen was treated by her caregivers very well, but ultimately, in God’s timing, her body wore out. She is now in the presence of her Savior and her body will be made whole at the upcoming resurrection.

Eileen has joined many close friends and the following relatives in the presence of Jesus: her parents, John B. and Bertha Wiebe, parents-in-law, Ted and Leona Unruh, sister Ruth and her husband Fred Langenegger, and brother-in-law Ken Enns. She is already greatly missed by her husband of almost 70 years, Virgil Unruh, brother John and Loretta Wiebe of Wichita, sister-in-law Bonnie Enns of Inman, son Doug (Paula) Unruh of Newton, daughter Melanie (Eddie) Madsen of Lynchburg, VA, daughter Jodi (Jason) Unruh of Independence, KS, and grandchildren Carmen (Dr. Tim) Erickson of Montezuma, KS, Kenton (Jennifer) Unruh of Hutchinson, KS, Carlin (Rachel) Unruh of Newton, Adrian (Courtney) Unruh of Newton, Melissa (Andy) Kan of Gladys, VA, Heidi (Ben) Terry of Lynchburg, VA, Laura (Brian) Hill of Lynchburg, VA, Carissa (Tim) Huxman of Newton, Caleb (Nicole) Unruh of Bartlesville, OK, and Seth Unruh of Newton. Her legacy also includes 31 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the many who loved and cared for Eileen. This includes her doctors, nurses, NMC Wound Care, NMC Rehab, NMC Home Health, Good Shepherd Hospice, the ladies who provided care for her at home, and those who provided meals.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 6, 2026 from 5-9 pm at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home. Family will be present from 6-8pm. Burial will be Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 9:30am at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, the public is welcome to join the family for the burial. Funeral Service will be held following the burial at 11:00am at Newton Bible Church, 900 Old Main St., Newton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Newton Bible Church Missions Project Fund.