Gertrude Emma "Gertie" Unruh

VICTOR - Gertrude Emma Unruh was born August 22, 1926, in New Salem, North Dakota, to John and Katie Winckler. While at home in her bed, she was taken to her Heavenly home in the arms of Jesus on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. According to God's divine plan, she was taken on the same day (November 7) as her husband, David, who was also received into the arms of Jesus 11 years earlier on a Sunday shortly before midnight.

Gertie married David Unruh November 5, 1946. In 1949 the couple moved to Dave's family farm near Zap, North Dakota, where their two sons, James and Merle, were born. In 1962 the family moved to a 900-acre cattle ranch near Victor, Montana. Gertie was a mother, housewife, and helper on the ranch. Sometimes newborn calves were laid in her bathtub in early spring so she could thaw them out. As the ranch cook, she hosted working crews, friends, and family with a table spread like you wouldn't believe! She did the same at worksites in the field.

Up until the time of her passing, Gertie brought cookies and birthday cakes to friends in nursing homes or in their homes. She shined with gifts of hospitality and serving, making blankets, quilts, doilies, and afghans: too many to count.

Gertie is survived by her sons: James Unruh (Kathy) of Victor, Merle Unruh (Debra) of Victor; her grandchildren, Jennifer Shepherd (Jason), Nichole Gossett (Darren); great-grandchildren, Dylan Goracke, Hannah Goracke, Olivia Cary, Ashley Snow, Emily Gossett-Snow; her brother & sister-in-law, Garmon & Janice Winckler, Mandan ND, her sister Doris Voegele, Tacoma WA, and her sister-in-law Ruth Winckler of New Salem ND.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Erna, Edna, and Hilda, and her brothers, Reuben, Aaron, and Albert; and in 2003 by her two twin great-grandsons, Brandon and Garrett.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene in Victor with burial to follow at the Victor Cemetery.  

The song "Beautiful Lady", by Kathy Unruh, used during the service; lyrics and free download can be found at...  https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=2028443

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gertrude Emma "Gertie" Unruh, please visit our floral store.