Obituary of Ann Marie Mansfield Unruh

Ann was born May 5, 1932 in Norfolk, Virginia to parents Irvin and Lillian Mansfield. Five years later, her Father was killed in a work accident. She was left with her young brother, Harold and 20 year old Mother to survive during depression years. Though offers were made to place Ann and Harold in Foster homes, their mother would have none of it. The family was kept together and survived the depression because of Lillian’s determination and struggle by baking, sewing, and doing any odd job available. Ann and Harold did their part as much as they were able at their young age. This was the atmosphere that Ann grew up in, and as a result became the beautiful and wonderful person that she was. Because her Mother worked, Ann and Brother Harold were invited to spend summers on farms of Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins in North Carolina. Sorry you can’t hear her tell of all the adventures there with her many cousins. While in North Carolina, She attended the Great Hope Baptist church and developed a strong Faith which stayed with her and gave her the reasons for living a good life with much love for Family and many friends. Ann attended school in Norfolk. Following high school graduation, because of her record of good character and accomplishments, she was offered a job with the FBI in Washington DC. She spent several years working there. By an unexpected happening, She met Bud at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he was attending Engineer Officer Candidate School. Bud became the love of her life and they were married October 16, 1952 at Camp Roberts, California just before his assignment to serve in Korea. Ann was a very caring and compassionate person who had the ability to spot those in need who might be overlooked by others. For example, she volunteered to deliver “Meals On Wheels” to the elderly for the past 25 years. It was a joyful joint effort with Husband Bud. She knew that many people saw only the delivery person on a given day, so instead of rushing to the next, she always took time to visit with them. She had the amazing ability to make friends wherever she went. Ann is survived by husband Marion (Bud) Unruh, Son Paul, Daughters Linda Williams and Leslie Gardner, and eight Grand-children: Katie and Heath Williams; Errol, Erika, Ed, and Henry Unruh; Beau and Chase Gardner. She also is survived by Nephews Mark and Bruce Mansfield (sons of her Brother Harold). Ann was known for 67 years of marriage to Bud as “Annie.” Her children all called her “Mom.” Grand children mostly all called her “Grandma Annie” or just Grandma. She loved them all, and they loved her back. Ann is now truly missed by all, but we know she is in a better place looking out for us, and we will be with her again someday.