Gerald Duane Unruh of Dalhart, Texas passed away after a battle with cancer. He went to be with Jesus on February 20, 2024.

Gerald was born in McPherson, Kansas to Clayton and Jennie Unruh. He was the oldest of six children and grew up on a farm. He attended school at Happy Hollow and Sunflower School in McPherson county. He accepted Christ and was baptized on February 3, 1960 at the age of 15 years old. Gerald met Roberta Nightengale when they were teenagers. They married a few years later on June 8, 1969. In January of 1976 they bought land in Hartley, Texas and moved there to farm. They raised four children on the farm; Brenda, Jennifer, Keri and Andrew.

Dad farmed and sold Pioneer seed until a few years ago. He also was a land leveler and a dirt mover. His hobbies were buying old John Deere tractors, getting them running smooth or even a little "hopped up" and pulling in tractor pulls. We as a family would go cheer him on. Dad was a collector. He collected all sorts of things but mainly coins, guns and pocket knives. When we moved him and mom to town we found out he also had a whole collection of antique ice cream makers no one knew about.

Dad never knew a stranger. His smile and greeting made people feel like family in an instant. He loved people and made friends easily. He was also always willing to help anyone who needed it, whether they were on the side of the road or starting a new venture. Dad had the ability to bring peace and joy into tough situations. His hands were strong but his heart was tender. He could hold a wrench tight enough to break a rusty bolt but also held his newborn grandchildren with gentleness and care. We as kids were overjoyed when he would bring home another stray animal for us to love. We would see his tears when we lost them. He called our pets bummers. Dad loved to ski and we have great memories of our family ski trips. There was always a gun at the back door. He said you never knew when you would need one to get a snake, skunk or coyote in the front yard. Dad loved to hunt deer, pheasants, and coyotes.

At the end of his life the nurses were moved by his lack of complaining and joyful attitude despite the dark cloud that cancer can bring. His faith never flinched when he faced the end. Two days before he passed he put on his boots and told us he was ready to run to Jesus. He was a true testimony of a good and faithful servant and will be deeply missed.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Roberta Nightengale Unruh, his children Brenda Skalsky and husband, Todd,, Jennifer Lennox and husband, Karl, Keri Culbertson and husband, Milton, Andrew Unruh and wife, Danielle. As well as grandchildren; Caitlyn Cox and husband, Kevin, Ashley Barrick and husband, Brandon, Aspen and Kegan Lennox, Joy and AnnaBelle Culbertson.

In addition are his siblings; Larry Unruh and wife Darla, Flora Martin, and Marlys Esau and husband Lyvon.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Jennie Unruh, brother Ron Unruh and brother Leroy Unruh.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Talon Point, 5145 Fm 722 Channing, TX 79018 where Gerald was a volunteer for many years.