Obituary of Jenta Jean Unruh

In the loving presence of her two children, Jenta Unruh of Lindsborg, Kansas passed quietly away at the age of 87, Saturday morning, May 9, at the Lindsborg Community Hospital, Lindsborg, Kansas. She was born Jenta Jean Durkee, January 14, 1928 to parents Hazel Williams Durkee and Ruel Edward Durkee in the house at Paola, Kansas where she spent the early years of her life. Her first school was a country school built on the farm by her grandfather at Paola, but later attended schools in Burlington, Lyons, and McPherson where she graduated from high school. Following high school she attended classes at McPherson College. Though her early life was spent in Paola, she always considered Osawatomie her home growing up and throughout her life she continued to play a role in the management of the family farm in Miami County. August 12, 1948, Jenta was united in marriage to Ernest Unruh. She raised her son Mark and daughter Julie in McPherson where she lived before moving to Lindsborg. Jenta’s life was filled with creativity, the many responsibilities that come with being a lifelong devoted and loyal caregiver, and much joy from raising a family, being a grandparent, an aunt, a teacher, and a friend to all those whose lives she touched. Throughout her life she enjoyed the companionship of many pets and her present canine friend, “Moon Pie”. Jenta taught classroom and CCD at St. Joseph Catholic School in McPherson and worked with special needs children in the 1970’s. Spending the last years of her life in Lindsborg with her daughter, Julie, she owned and operated Jenta’s Antiques and spent many happy hours as a docent at the Red Barn Studio in her work for the Raymer Society. Jenta loved tracing and documenting her family genealogy, and throughout her life was one who enjoyed organizing, listening, and often gently lending wise advice, guidance, and encouragement. She had a pensive, but sometimes explosive sense of humor and an endless supply of optimism for herself and those around her. Those surviving to mourn her passing, but also to celebrate her journey safely home include her daughter, Julie Unruh of the home, son, Mark and wife, Debbie of McPherson, granddaughter, Angie and husband Shane Godwin, and great-grandsons: Kobe, Kaden, and Bentley Godwin all of McPherson, her niece Lynn Stimpfling Sandbeck of Kansas City, and many other friends and family. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, May 14, at Christians Funeral Home Chapel, private burial following at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be designated for the St. Bridget’s Catholic Church or the Raymer Society in care of Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com