Our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Helen Unruh, was born on November 22, 1927, to Frank and Katherine Hiebert in Swalwell, Alberta. She quietly went to meet her Savior, her husband, her two sons, and her grandson on January 5, 2025. Her heart had been longing to go for some time.

Mom grew up in the Swalwell area and received her education at the New Hope School. She had a pleasant childhood with eight sisters and two brothers on the family farm. Mom enjoyed her siblings all her life and loved spending time with them. She was also fond of learning and took a CNA course, going on to become a dedicated nurse.

In her youth, Mom gave her heart to the Lord and became a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which faith she remained true to the end. Mom left us with no doubt she had gained her heavenly reward.

Mom married our dad, Crist Unruh, on June 3, 1951. God blessed their home with five children: two daughters and three sons. They enjoyed their life together for 57 years until Dad was taken from her side. When Dad was ordained to the deaconry, Mom stood faithfully by him, supporting him and serving unselfishly.

Mom was a great cook, and her hospitality was unmatched. Being in the garden was one of Mom's favorite pastimes, and she spent many hours preserving the fruits of her labors. She was an avid seamstress, and being a homemaker was a delight to her. She was always thrilled to see her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We remember Mom singing a lot and learned many songs from her as children. Both she and Dad enjoyed being together with friends and neighbors.

Traveling and visiting friends far and wide was a highlight for them, as well as attending annual meetings and conferences.

Though life sent its share of heartaches, Mom found the grace to accept the loss of her sons, Dayton and Allen, her husband, and her grandson, Randy. She often expressed how lonesome she was for them, but she knew where to go for comfort and found rest in her Bible, praying and singing.

Those left to cherish precious memories are: her children, Vada, Linden, AB, Merita & Ben Mandel, Silver Valley, AB, Virgil & Nancy, Acme, AB, Rosalie, wife of Dayton, Farwell, Texas, Wanda, wife of Allen, Acme, AB; fourteen grandchildren and their families; sister Mildred & Claude Wiebe, brother-in-law, Elmer Wiebe; and two sisters-in-law, Joanne Esau and Margaret Fehr; special family friends, Reuben & Jeannette Mandel and family and Dale Isaac; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Those who went before her were: her husband, Crist; her sons, Dayton and Allen; grandson, Randy; her parents; seven sisters; two brothers; and three brothers in infancy.

As a family, we appreciate the many years of service her oldest daughter, Vada, gave to Mom, especially after Dad's passing. We also want to thank the staff at Westview Care Community for the loving care they provided these last years of mother's life.

Livestream the Service Audio HERE