Joyce Adele Unruh, “Grams/ Grandma,” was a loving wife, mother,
grandmother, aunt and friend. Joyce lost her courageous fight with
cancer and “ran” through the gateway to heaven on February 22, 2021, at
the age of 74. Joyce was passionate about running. We have no doubt she
ran, not walked, to heaven.
Joyce was born on May 13, 1946. She was raised in Garden City and
attended school there until the age of 17. Joyce married Denton Clyde
Unruh on September 8, 1963, moved to Copeland, and had a beautiful
daughter, Bobbi Adele Ferguson. Joyce continued to pursue her academic
dreams while being a full-time mother and eventually received her
Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Fort Hays State University.
She eventually ended up in Scott City, Kansas, and had another
child, Denton Allen Unruh. She worked several part-time jobs and
volunteered at many church and community events while continuing to be a
full-time mother and wife.
Weekends and vacations were full of adventure with Joyce. She was
very active in clubs, school organizations, and church. Block parties
and ski trips were commonplace with Joyce. Later, after receiving her
teaching degree, Joyce spent many hours in the school as a substitute
teacher and volunteer.
Joyce was most passionate about spending time with her family and
running. There were times the household was woken up by the sound of
pounding footsteps going up and down the stairs. She had to get that jog
in. Joyce ran countless 5K and 10K races. She also ran a marathon and
finished the half marathon accent up Pikes Peak. In addition to her
active lifestyle, Joyce helped raise her grandkids, nieces and nephews.
Joyce was an active member at the YMCA in Garden City and also at the
Methodist Church in Garden City.
Joyce was loved and will be missed. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul.
Joyce is survived by her husband Denton, daughter Bobbi Ferguson of
Hugoton and son Denton Allen Unruh and his wife Penny of Sublette; four
grandchildren, Christopher Ferguson of Omaha, Courtney Esarey and
husband Landon Esarey of Hugoton, Megan Unruh of Breckenridge, and
Jessie Unruh of Emporia; nephews JC and Jeremy Culbertson and their
families; Norton nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many other
family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Lola
and Eardie Norton, brother Eardie (Butch) Norton Jr. and sister Kelly
Norton; son-in-law Harry Ferguson.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12,
2021 at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with Rev. Joel Plisek
officiating. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the
family suggests memorials given to Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo in care
of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.