Mary Ann Giesbrecht, 87
Mary Ann Giesbrecht Unruh was born on Feb. 14, 1925, to Cornelius V. and Katherine Fast Giesbrecht in Winton, Calif.
After suffering a stroke she peacefully went to her reward on Nov. 4, 2012, reaching age 87.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. at Woodland Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry, with interment following in the Mountain View Mennonite Cemetery, Bonners Ferry.
She grew up in the Winton, Calif., area where she received her formal education. When she was 13, she gave her heart to the Lord and became converted. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on April 27, 1938. Her salvation was precious to her and she remained faithful throughout her life.
She and Orville Unruh were married on Nov. 12, 1944, in Winton, Calif. They made their home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, their entire married life except for 1.5 years spent in California. To this union were born six sons and two daughters. After 48 years of marriage, Orville died on March 5, 1993, leaving her alone for nearly 20 years. She lived with her daughter Velda for the past 14 years.
She was an industrious person her entire life, doing what she could until her death. She always enjoyed Sewing Circle and in her later years was very concerned she had something to contribute each time.
Her family remembers their mother as a cheerful person who was a lover of song. She was often heard singing in the kitchen while making breakfast for them. She loved each one of her children, taking a special interest in their lives and was concerned about their spiritual welfare. She also accepted each of her daughters-in-law and her son-in-law as her own.
Although they keenly feel her loss, they wouldn’t wish her back, knowing she is at rest.
She was one of 14 children and when all of her siblings were gone she felt very alone. Others who went before her include her parents, her husband, one infant grandson, and one infant great-granddaughter.
Those left with fond memories are Lyle and Rosemary, Clayton and Dorothy of Bonners Ferry; Maynard and Daryla of Buhl; Kathy and August Peters of Sedalia, Ky.; John and Barbara of Othello, Wash.; Emery and Sara, Verle and Denise of Stacyville, Iowa; and Velda of Bonners Ferry.
She is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law Mary Giesbrecht of Glenn, Calif., Jake Friesen, Buhl; Marjorie Unruh and Regina Unruh, Bonners Ferry; Leonard and Ruth Unruh, Grafton, N.D.; and Virginia Unruh, Buhl; Abe Dirks, Brooksville, Miss.; Lillie and Cyril Mastre, Grant, Neb.; special friend Marj Day, Burlingame, Kan.; and her caregiver, Dawn Pownell of Bonners Ferry.
Family and friends are invited to sign Mary’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.