Merritt James UnruhMoundridge, KS

Merritt James Unruh, 55, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away May 23, 2026, at Moundridge Manor. He was born May 27, 1970, at Cuautemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, the son of Frank A. and Helen L. (Koehn) Unruh. Merritt has resided at Moundridge Manor for the last two years, moving from Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas.

Merritt attended schools in Victoria and El Campo, Texas as well as the Harmony Mennonite Church in Murray, Kentucky.

From his earliest days, Merritt was afflicted with cerebral palsy. Despite this handicap, God had a purpose and mission for Merritt in this life. He was his mother’s faithful companion for many years. He will be sorely missed in this capacity. Merritt was a lover of song, spending many hours singing from the Christian Hymnal. When asked a few days before his passing his favorite song from the Hymnal, he replied, “He Leadeth Me.” He was able to sing a few last lines, of this, his favorite song. Another favorite song was “There’s Always a Rainbow.” He had a quirky sense of humor; for example, singing “revival songs” to his mom when he felt she needed a little lift and encouragement. Another favorite pastime was reading and memorizing the Yearbook. Merritt also loved to draw, filling many notebooks with humorous drawings of people he had learned to know.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Unruh, of Moundridge; his sister, Michelle (Calvin) Becker, of Murray, KY.; his brothers, Matthew (Bev) Unruh, of Macon, Mississippi, Monroe Unruh of Victoria, TX., and Miles (Kaylene) Unruh of Murray, KY.; sister-in-law, Cecile Unruh, Tonasket, Washington; numerous nieces and nephews; a large extended family; and many friends.

Merritt was preceded in death by his father, Frank Unruh; and brother, Mario Unruh.

Funeral Services will be held at Moundridge Manor Chapel, Tuesday May 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Moundridge Funeral Home is handling Kansas arrangements.

Funeral Services will be held at Harmony Mennonite Church, 83 Honeybee Lane, Murray, Kentucky, 42071, Friday May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Family will meet with friends at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. J.H. Churchill Funeral Home in Murray, Kentucky will be handling services in Kentucky.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moundridge Manor and sent in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 410, Moundridge, Kansas 67107.