Ruth Ellen Unrath

Born Ruth Ellen Holland in Saginaw, MI, she graduated with a BA degree in Education from Valparaiso together with her beau Ken in 1956. An elegant bride, she married Ken in 1957. Ruth worked as a teacher before staying home to raise her three children. At Immanuel Lutheran Church, she continued to use her skills in Sunday schools, as a tutor and substitute teacher in Immanuel’s elementary school, and as a Cub Scout den mother. In later years, Ruth worked as the secretary for the community college athletic department, keeping the coaches organized and encouraging the students passing through the program.

Ruth was defined by her love and care of her family. With Ken often on the road, she “held down the fort” with the children while volunteering at church and caring for her parents. The children were raised on rise-and-shine songs, backrubs, tickles, and sourdough pancakes. Ruth dearly loved all her grandchildren, with each receiving personalized attention from their “Nana,” and frequent visits for those out of town.

Ruth was always lovely, elegant, warm, and gracious as she and Ken hosted and attended gatherings for neighborhood, church, Merck, and Jaycees friends. She enjoyed home decoration and artwork, filling their home with beauty and mementos of her loved ones. An avid sewer, she made bridesmaid’s dresses and many of her own clothes. She was a fabulous cook for family gatherings (her lamb shanks were to die for). Her Midwest roots came out often with family stories, and you can bet your bottom dollar she could pull out a few pithy quips as needed.

Ken and Ruth enjoyed style and refinement in their lives. She graced the church choir with her lovely alto voice, complementing Ken’s clear tenor. At weddings they created captivating memories of the beauty of fine dancing, as they moved in graceful and fluid unity. The two became one. They were to celebrate their 70th anniversary this year and would never have wanted to be without each other.

Ruth is survived by her children Gregg (Nora), Mark (Nancy), and Karen (Mike), six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren (plus two more imminent arrivals). She is preceded in death by grandson, Major Luke Unrath, who gave his life in service for his country.

A memorial service for both Ken and Ruth will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, CA on June 7th, 2026 at 2:00pm, with reception to follow in Graumann Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Luke Unrath Memorial Scholarship at give. All who were touched by this loving couple are welcome to honor their memory. They will be sorely missed here on earth, but in heaven Ken will be the life of the party, and Ruth will be spreading her love and care to all. Her extended family looks forward to the day when we rejoin her in heaven, greeted by “I love you, a bushel and a peck, you bet your pretty neck I do!”, followed by a warm hug and a backrub.