Christina Lee Unruh

  Christina Lee Upton Unruh was born in a blizzard on March 10, 1948, at Mercy Hospital in Independence Kansas. The eldest of two daughters born to Edwin and Alberta (Dikeman) Upton, Christina was raised in Independence where she graduated Independence High School in 1966, attending Independence Community College thereafter.

   On September 25, 1967, Christina married Michael Unruh at the First Christian Church of Independence. Michael enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968, and the couple served in the US Submarine Service before moving to Auburn in 1979. Christina is the mother of four boys, Josh, Aaron, Matthew, and Jacob and an only daughter, Katy. 

   Christina served as a dispatcher for the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department, but her main vocation was childcare, having served countless families. Following divorce Christina returned to Independence in 1999 to care for her beloved father. She continued childcare, forming many lasting friendships. The children she nurtured, now adults, continue to lovingly call her “Chrissy.” 

   Christina was a talented artist and loved camping with her friends. She was devoted to her family and always put others before herself. Her greatest joy was to walk with her Savior, Jesus Christ. 

   Having received a diagnosis of cancer, she returned to Nebraska in 2022, as she had always considered Nebraska to be home. With the help of her family and professionals, Christina was able to remain in her home in Unadilla, where she passed on February 16, 2024, at the age of 75 years, 11 months, and 6 days. Her parents proceeded her in death.

   Left to mourn her, yet honor and celebrate her life, are her sons and daughters-in-law, Josh of Beaver Lake, Aaron and Tasha of New Strawn, KS, Matthew and Jamie of Menlo Park, CA, Jacob and Faye of Unadilla; and her daughter, Katy of Auburn; her grandchildren, Tabbitha, Zachariah, Tristan, Elijah, Grant, Amy, Sarah, Thomas, David, Matthew, Noah, Jase, Jhett, and Josh, 5 great grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and DL Mitchell of Colorado Springs, CO; other relatives and many, many friends. 

A graveside funeral service will be on Friday, February 23, 10:30 a.m., at Sheridan Cemetery near Auburn.  A celebration of life will immediately follow committal service at the Eagles Club in Auburn.  Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday noon to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.