Mary Ann Giesbrecht Unruh

February 14, 1925 ~ November 4, 2012
November 6, 2012
Mary Ann Giesbrecht Unruh was born on February 14, 1925, to Cornelius V. and Katherine Fast Giesbrecht in Winton, California. After suffering a stroke she peacefully went to her reward on November 4, 2012, reaching the age of 87 years. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 8, at the Woodland Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry, with interment following in the Mountain View Mennonite Cemetery.

Mom grew up in the Winton area, where she received her formal education. When she was 13 years old she gave her heart to the Lord and became converted. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on April 27, 1938. Her salvation was precious to her and she remained faithful throughout her life.

Mom married our father Orville Unruh on November 12, 1944, in Winton. They made their home in Bonners Ferry their entire married life except for 1 ½ years spent in California. To this union were born six sons and two daughters. After 48 years of marriage Dad was taken from her side on March 5, 1993, leaving her alone for nearly 20 years. She lived with her daughter Velda for the past 14 years.

Our mother was an industrious person her entire life, doing what she could until her death. She always enjoyed Sewing Circle and in her later years was very concerned she had something to contribute each time.

We as a family remember our mother as a cheerful person who was a lover of song. She was often heard singing in the kitchen while making breakfast for us. Mom loved each one of us, taking a special interest in our lives and was concerned about our spiritual welfare. She also accepted each of her daughters-in-law and her son-in-law as her own. Although we keenly feel the loss of Mom, we wouldn’t wish her back, knowing she is at rest.

Mom was one of fourteen children and when all of her siblings were gone she felt very alone. Others gone before her were her parents, her husband, one infant grandson, and one infant great-granddaughter.

Those left with fond memories are Lyle and Rosemary and Clayton and Dorothy of Bonners Ferry, Maynard and Daryla of Buhl, Idaho, Kathy and August Peters of Sedalia, Kentucky, John and Barbara of Othello, Washington; Emery and Sara and Verle and Denise of Stacyville, Iowa; and Velda of Bonners Ferry.

She is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law Mary Giesbrecht, Glenn, California, Jake Friesen, Buhl, Idaho; Marjorie Unruh and Regina Unruh, Bonners Ferry; Leonard and Ruth Unruh, Grafton, North Dakota; and Virginia Unruh, Buhl, Idaho; Abe Dirks, Brooksville, Mississippi; Lillie and Cyril Mastre, Grant, Nebraska; special friend Marj Day, Burlingame, Kansas; and Mom’s care-giver Dawn Pownell of Bonners Ferry.

Family and friends are invited to sign Mary’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.