Ronald James Unruh, 78, of Winfield, passed away Monday morning, June 2, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

Ronald James Unruh was born on February 8, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, to Wilbur and Dorothy Unruh.  In 1968, he joined the Army, and served a total of 21 years and two months, primarily as a cook, in both Vietnam and in Europe, where he met Gaylene Odell.  Ron and Gaylene were married in 1975 and had three children, Kristian, Stephanie, and Emma.  Their residence was primarily in Crescent City, Florida.  In June of 2005, he returned to Wichita to be reconnected to his father just before his death in December of that year.  Ron lived independently until it became necessary to move into assisted living at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield.  In January of 2025, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung Cancer, for which he received treatment.  After complaining of difficulty in breathing, he was sent to William Newton Hospital in Winfield and then transferred to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where he was immediately placed in Intensive Care until he passed on the morning of June second.

Ron enjoyed cooking, a skill he learned in the Army, and he was an excellent cook.  He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing.

Ron met the Lord Jesus and received Him as his personal Savior in Europe.  After returning to Kansas in 2005, he was involved in a small men's prayer meeting called Gideon's Army at Central Christian Church in Wichita.  For five years, he hosted a men's discipleship group in his home.  And though he did not lead it, he was a vital part of that effort.  He particularly loved the fellowship of Christian men, which also included an annual retreat at Spring Valley Ranch in northeast Oklahoma.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Dorothy Unruh; his sister Ronda Rose Disney; and his wife of 12 years, Gaylene.

He is survived by his three children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, June 6, 2025, at Miles Funeral Service, 4001 E 9th Ave, Winfield, Kansas.  A visitation and viewing will begin at 1:00 that afternoon.  Graveside services with Military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, 1208 North College Street in Winfield.

A memorial has been established in Ron's name for the Christian Broadcast Network.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Mr. Unruh's funeral service will be available at the following link: