in memoriam

expanded eulogies

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Elva Unruh

Elva Dora “Swede” (Heidel) Unruh went to be with her Lord and Savior and the love of her life, Roland, on Nov. 8, 2017. Elva was born Jan. 4, 1925, in Council Grove, Kansas, to George William and Sidney Alice (Campbell) Heidel.

In 1927, the family, which consisted of her parents, brother George Campbell Heidel, and sisters Virginia Belle Heidel and Norma Maxine Heidel, moved to Marion, Kansas. In 1928, a brother, Vernon Lee Heidel was born.

Elva attended Bown Corby grade school and junior and senior high schools in Marion, where she graduated in 1943. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator. In 1949, she married Roland Unruh. They lived in California for 20 years before returning to Kansas, where she made her home until her death.

Elva was preceded in death by her parents and all of her brothers and sisters.

She will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside memorial service was Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at Marion Cemetery in Marion, Kansas, with Pastor Carl Helm presiding.

Family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association in care of Petersen Funeral Home.