Helma (Penner) Unruh

Helma Unruh, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2018 at Presbyterian Manor, in Arkansas City, Kansas. Helma was born April 16, 1922 to Fred and Susie Penner in Meno, Oklahoma. Her early years on the family farm was devoted to hard work in the depression era. She held various jobs over time from hospital employment in Enid, Oklahoma to sundry retails sales positions in local stores. In 1943, Helma married a returning WWII soldier Army Sgt. Cecil A. Unruh. After marriage, she and her husband moved to Kansas and farmed in rural Sumner County near Geuda Springs, Kansas and there raised the children God granted. Her hobbies included gardening, home management and she developed a taste for art in her later years. Helma was preceded in death by Cecil A. Unruh (her husband of 66 years) two brothers, Alvin Penner and George Penner and two children, Beverly Ann and Keith Allen. Remaining family to cherish her memory are two sisters Dora Lundak and Genevieve DeHaas along with two brothers, Ed Penner and Art Penner. Her sons and their spouses are Michael & Judy Unruh of Houston, Texas, Dennis & Joan Unruh of Arkansas City, Kansas and Robert & Debbie Unruh of Orlando, Florida. Helma’s extended family included 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She will also be remembered by friends and gracious care givers from Presbyterian Manor.

Funeral services will be held at Shelley Family Funeral Home, 906 W Kansas Avenue, Arkansas City, Kansas on Saturday, November 17th at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn north of Arkansas City.  The family will greet friends from 6-7:00 P.M. on Friday evening.  Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:00 noon to 7:00 P.M. on Friday.  A memorial has been established in Ms. Unruh’s name for the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helma (Penner) Unruh, please visit our floral store.