VIRLEEN RUTH UNRUH (née Goering), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Fred Unruh, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the age of 93 years.

Virleen was born on January 24, 1933 during the Great Depression near Elyria, Kansas. When Virleen was nine years old, her family moved to a farm near Pretty Prairie, Kansas. Virleen attended a “big school” – two rooms and 20 students! Small town high school and some studies at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas followed.

Virleen trained in secretarial services. During her career she worked as an administrative assistant for an insurance company, Federal Business Bank, social services office, and a steno pool.

Virleen dated Wilfred Unruh and they married in 1955 after he returned from PAX service in Paraguay. The Unruh family grew with 4 children being born; Kathy Jo in 1957, Donna Sue in 1959, Alan Keith in 1961 and Nancy Marie in 1962.

Virleen enjoyed volunteering with service groups including the MCC Thrift Store, soup kitchen, and church quilting group. She was part of the “Thrifting Movement” long before it was trendy!

Virleen’s organizing skills were put to the test for many family road trips including cherished visits to Scarcliff Lake house and trips to see family in Kansas. The trips often started with freshly baked coffee cake breakfast in the car – yum.

Virleen introduced new menu favourites to church dinners and family events. She was on the decorating committee at church and liked a pretty table. Virleen was a skilled baker, and many people have enjoyed peppernuts, homemade noodles, poppyseed cake and other treats.

Virleen was a wonderful hostess and with Fred participated in the “Mennonite Your Way “program for many years. Her gift of hospitality was generously shared.
Virleen was a kind and loving neighbour and friend. She loved flowers and overwintered many geraniums in her basement window in the sun. She nurtured a Christmas Cactus that thrived for many years.

Virleen loved playing games with her grandchildren – Rummicube is a family favourite. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, Free Cell game, Sudoku and other games to keep her mind sharp.

Virleen and Fred shared 71 years together as loving partners. Virleen is survived by her husband, Wilfred John Unruh; one sister, Janice Unruh (Hesston, Kansas); four children, Kathy Friesen (Harley Friesen), Donna Unruh (Stan Wyse), Alan Unruh (Diana Fuentes), Nancy Bovell (Vern Bovell). Virleen has eight grandchildren: Nick Friesen (Nicole Friesen), Nathan Friesen (Jamie Friesen) and Gregory Friesen; Brian Wyse (Bekah Wyse) and Mark Wyse (Erin McAuliffe), Halle Bovell, Bailey Bovell and Miles Unruh. Virleen is also survived by nine great grandchildren; Brock, Everly, Eldon, Emmett, Boyd, Emerson, Benji, Asher and Rowan. Family is a blessing.

Virleen was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin J and Hilda Goering, her sister Betty Goering and her brother Curtis Goering.

A Celebration of Virleen’s life will be held at the LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH, 4303–3 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Ryan Dueck officiating.

The service will also be live-streamed and may be viewed through Virleen’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Virleen will be privately laid to rest in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or a charity of your choice.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-08-22
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta