Theodore Ben Unruh, 64

Theodore Ben Unruh was born to Chester and Nettie Mae Giesbrecht Unruh in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on February 23, 1961.  He passed away on March 14, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian, Idaho, reaching the age of 64.

Teddy’s life was not easy, starting with corrective surgeries when he was three days old. A new medicine used at that time was later known to cause deafness in infants. Besides deafness, Teddy was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  Despite his handicaps, Ted was cheerful, enjoying simple pleasures.  Among these was time spent with his Grandma Sadie who could always tease smiles from him. He started walking when he was 12 years old.

After spending time in the State School and Hospital in Nampa, Idaho, he was invited to join the newly opened Boise Group Homes. Ted stayed with them for 43 years. They provided loving care in cottages in and around Boise, hosting 4 or 5 clients per house.  

Ted learned a bit of sign language and was able to attend a sheltered workshop in Caldwell on weekdays. Workers there earned wages by sorting broom bristles, packing Hewlett- Packard parts, and other simple activities.  Ted started the assembly line by opening the bags for the parts and setting the pace for the crew. Some days it was fast production while other days Ted set a more relaxed pace.  He enjoyed the lunch he packed for himself at the Group Home, except the carrot sticks which he buried under something at work. In his off time, Boise Group provided recreation around town, walking in the park, having coffee and ice cream, shopping for clothes, and other simple pleasures. 

At various times in his adult life, Ted had major surgeries to improve his comfort. Some were helpful, while other procedures were not. Without speech or hearing he couldn’t always communicate his needs clearly.

On March 6 Ted was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital with low oxygen. This turned into an extended hospital stay with aspiration pneumonia. His caregivers, nurse Micaela, and relatives rallied around him, watching, waiting, loving Ted. He had long ago won their hearts with his big smiles and fun ways. The hospital chaplain who visited Ted’s bedside offered this quote: “These specially abled souls hold a simplicity and innocence that beautifully reflects the image of God on them. This often has a profound effect on those around.”  His caregivers were heartbroken by his sudden decline and subsequent death on March 14, 2025.

Those missing Ted are his father Chester Unruh, Sunset Home, Bonners Ferry, Idaho; brother Steven and Debbie Smith Unruh, Nampa, Idaho; sister Celia Unruh, Bonners Ferry, Idaho; nephews David Unruh and Benjamin Unruh, Middleton, Idaho; and a host of relatives and friends, including his team of caregivers from Boise Group Homes. 

Ted was preceded in death by his mother Nettie Mae Giesbrecht Unruh; grandparents: Odes B. and Sadie Jantz Unruh, Ben and Marianne Regehr Giesbrecht; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Services were held at Mt. View Mennonite Church, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on March 25, 2025, at 11 a.m., with Ministers Ben Nystrom, Glenn Ensz, Shane Ensz, and Roger Unruh officiating. Burial was in the adjoining church cemetery. To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.