Evelyn Giesbrecht Unruh

My wife and our mother, Evelyn Giesbrecht Unruh was born to John W. and Ida Unruh Giesbrecht on May 13, 1935.
She peacefully passed away on May 4, 2025, just nine days before her 90th birthday.
Mom grew up in the Cimmaron, Kansas area with her 10 siblings, being the second from the youngest. She enjoyed her childhood and would talk often of the good times at home and going to school in Ingalls, Kansas.
She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on October 20, 1949, by Minister Ervin Harms, remaining faithful to her vows until the very end.
Dad and Mom were married June 14, 1953, by her brother, Minister Vernon Giesbrecht. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for almost 72 years. The wedding was held in a big tent at the home place where she grew up. There was no air-conditioning, and it was 114* in the shade. Attending the ceremony were her family, friends, and one unpenned chicken. We were fascinated when she would relate the story of how she heard her mother shooing the chicken out of the tent during their wedding.
Mom was always busy, especially with six children. We remember the meals brought out to the harvest fields, painting and staining at the numerous houses we lived in and preparing many meals for company. More people coming to her table was never a problem. After the family was all grown, she spent many happy hours outside, usually with a hat on, carrying a sprayer, tending to her roses, garden, or mowing their big yard. We always marveled at her efficient ways. She was a practical get-it-done type of person.
We remember how she would take us younger children to her secret closet of prayer after school each day and pray with us. She was always concerned about our salvation.
Dad and Mom lived in various places in their married life. The first two years were in Topeka and Larned, Kansas, in 1W service. From there they settled in Greensburg, Kansas. They moved for a short time to Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada and back to Greensburg, before moving to Texline, Texas in 1975, and then in December of 1977 to Detroit, Texas. They made their home in the Detroit area until 2015, when they moved to the Bethel Home apartments in Montezuma, Kansas, living there until March 14, of this year. They enjoyed their time there immensely. We are all very thankful for the wonderful loving care mom received at the Bethel Home. As the sunset years of their life became more visible, their desire was to be back home in Detroit, near to their family. Throughout their life, in the places they have lived, served, and in their travels, they have made many friends whom they deeply cherish. Their places of service also included Gallup, New Mexico, Belize, Montezuma girl's unit, and Dodge City, Kansas mission. They have made many friends whom they deeply cherish. They volunteered at local hospitals for twelve years. Their places of service also included Gallup, New Mexico; Belize; Montezuma girls' unit; and Dodge City, Kansas mission.
They moved into Heritage House Nursing Center, Paris, Texas and loved the time together there for just over seven weeks.
Those left to cherish her memories are her loving husband, Bob; six children: Earl, and wife Lenita, Blossom, Texas; Donna, and husband Quinn Schmidt, Sedan, New Mexico; Mike, and wife Cherylyn, Sumner, Texas; Jeff and wife Norma Jean, Reva and husband Steve Yoder, and Chad and wife Stephanie, all of Detroit, Texas; 23 grandchildren, and 51 great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann and Calvin Dirks, and sister-in-law, Verda Giesbrecht, all of Montezuma, Kansas; brother-in-law, Ike Unruh, Montezuma, Kansas; sister-in-law Carolyn and Wayne Holdeman, Geiger, Alabama; a host of nephews, nieces and friends who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, six sisters, grandson, Shane Unruh, and great grandson, Channing Ensz.
The family wishes to express thanks to those who have extended love and kindness to us during this time. May God bless you.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM and 6:30 PM-8:00 PM at the Red River Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Red River Valley Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at Red River Valley Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to
Bethel Home
C/O Red River Valley Mennonite Church
2880 FM 2573
Detroit, TX 75436
Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home