Nettie Mae Giesbrecht Unruh

Nettie Mae Giesbrecht Unruh, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, was born Oct. 5, 1932, in Livingston, Calif., to Benjamin and Marianne Regehr Giesbrecht, the first of five siblings.  Born with music in her soul, she sang her way through life. 

Early on the morning for June 27, 2011, Nettie quietly slipped away following a lengthy illness that devastated her beauty and creative mind.  She is lovingly remembered for her thoughtfulness and service to others, her ready wit, hospitality and gift of singing.

Her childhood and youth were spent in Winton, Calif., where she gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.  On Feb. 14, 1952, Nettie married Chester Unruh of Bonners Ferry and they lived happily together for nearly 60 years.

Chet and Nettie raised their family in northern Idaho, later moving to Nampa, in 1976.

Nettie’s patience and compassion were evident as she tenderly cared for their youngest son, Theodore, a Downs Syndrome baby with severe health problems.

She denied herself many things and activities in caring for him and spent much time seeking for ways to help him and other families with handicapped children.

She is survived by her husband Chester Unruh of Nampa, sons Steven (Debbie) Unruh of Nampa and Ted Unruh of Boise, daughter Celia Unruh of Bonners Ferry, and grandsons David and Benjamin Unruh. Also missing Nettie is her mother Marianne Giesbrecht of Glenn, Calif., two sisters, one brother and many relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held at Lakeview Bible Church in Nampa on July 1, 2011 with burial at Hillcrest Mausoleum.