Obituary

Patricia Marie Unruh Tilton died Monday (May 31, 2010) at her home in Gap, Pa.; of cancer. She was born on Nov. 6, 1952 in Kobe, Japan, to Verney and Belva Unruh.

Her parents were missionaries to Japan under the General Conference Mennonite Church. She grew up in Miyakonojo, Kyushu, and attended a one-room schoolhouse. During her high school years, she lived in Newton. After graduating from Newton High School, she completed her nursing education at Bethel Deaconess Hospital. She particularly enjoyed nursing specialties that require manual dexterity, working in the operating room and in neonatal intensive care. She also was proficient in many artistic pursuits. Since childhood, Pat loved to play the violin, which she studied throughout her life. She played in various community orchestras and in worship services at church.
Pat also expressed her creativity through sewing, needlework and basket weaving. She took the greatest pleasure in making heirloom doll dresses. As a member of the Conestoga Stitchers, Pat participated in the Wee Care program, sewing exquisite burial gowns for babies who had been stillborn or had died in infancy. Pat found contentment and happiness in serving others, but she never sought recognition for herself. She managed her household with love, humor and hard work. When her children took up various endeavors, she became their greatest supporter.
Happily married for 31 years, she and Bruce shared many interests, such as gardening, bird watching and attending concerts. Her favorite poem, “The Weaver,” begins with the lines, “My life is but a weaving, between my Lord and me.” Even in her struggle against cancer, Pat showed an unwavering faith in God as the skilful weaver of her life.

Surviving relatives are husband, Bruce; two children, Heidi and Richard; mother Belva Unruh of North Newton; and siblings, Judi Mollenkof of Lancaster, Pa., Paul Unruh of Hesston, and Barbara Beachey of Clearwater. Pat was preceded in death by her father, Verney Unruh.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Manor Presbyterian Church in Cochranville, where Pat was a member. Friends also may greet the family at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Lancaster, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or to the Wee Care Program. Make checks payable to the Conestoga Stitchers (designate Wee Care in the memo), c/o Lynn D., treasurer, 417 Primrose Lane, Lancaster, PA 17601.