Ruth Unruh

Ruth G. Unruh SUFFOLK - Ruth G. Unruh, 60, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2008, after a short battle with lung cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Ludwig and Ursula Barthold and her sister, Monika. Ruth was born in Bamberg, Germany, and came to the U.S. in 1969. In 1985, she became a naturalized citizen. Ruth worked many jobs, but found her calling in real estate with William E. Wood and Associates. In 2002, Hal and Ruth moved from Chesapeake to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they stayed until this year. In Cuba, Ruth was known as the "Insurance Lady." She is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 35 years, Harold M. Unruh Jr.; her four daughters, Jean Rush and her husband Michael, Lilian Kress, Roswitha "Rosy" Carper and her husband Randall, Erika Williams and her husband Greg; and her stepson, Shawn Unruh. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristofer A. Kress, Nicole, Jessica and Monica Rush, Katelyn and Zachary Carper, Matthew and Riley Williams and Carol Ann, Jessica and Jamie Unruh; and one great-grandchild. Surviving family in Germany include her brother, Peter Barthold, her brother-in-law, Franz Barthold and many cousins. She will be missed by the many friends made in Cuba, as well as those left behind here and especially her two cats, Teddy Bear and Fluffball. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. in Baker-Foster Funeral Home, Bennett's Creek Chapel, with Pastor Tommy Larson of Nansemond River Baptist Church presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.