UNRUH, Debbie Jane (Zongker) - b. August 15, 1962 - d. November 6, 2024

[patyrn]

Debbie Jane Unruh, age 62, of Howard, Kansas, passed away November 6, 2024 at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, Kansas.  She was born August 15, 1962 in El Dorado, Kansas to Jerry and Betty (Brumback) Zongker. 

Debbie grew up alongside her brother, Eddie, and sister, Judy, graduating from El Dorado High School in the Class of 1980.  As a young lady, she was cruising the town one evening with some friends when she spotted a young guy doing the same.  She decided to honk at him, and that started a relationship that would last for over 42 years.  They started dating, and on December 11, 1962, Debbie married Howard Unruh at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado, Kansas.

As a young couple, they lived north of Potwin, Kansas for a time before moving to the Howard, Kansas area in 1991.  Even though Debbie was wheelchair-bound after a vehicle accident in 1988, she didn't let that slow her down.  She and Howard raised their two boys on the ranch east of Howard where Debbie stayed busy with the boys, doing woodworking projects like building bird houses and outdoor yard ornaments, bottle feeding the baby calves, and even showing cattle.

Debbie loved to ride horses and fish and was a woman who truly loved taking care of those she cherished.  Her family was her life, and she and Howard raised their niece and nephew as if they were their own children when their father passed away.  She was a loving wife, mother, and grandma, and those who knew her will miss her greatly.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Howard; her sons, Will (Kenna) Unruh of Howard, Kansas and Josh (Kodie) of Severy, Kansas; grandchildren, Anna, Wyatt, Theo, Kasen, Hailee, Kennen, and Declan; brother, Eddie Zongker of El Dorado, Kansas; sister, Judy Zongker of El Dorado, Kansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her Aunt Barbara; and her brother-in-law, Harold.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m.. in Halderman Cemetery near Potwin, Kansas following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Howard Library and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Halderman Cemetery is located at the intersection of NW 120th Street and NW Buffalo Road near Potwin, Kansas.