Arthur A Unruh

Arthur “Art” Andrew Unruh

Arthur “Art” Andrew Unruh, 86, of Newton, Kansas, passed away on September 6, 2026. He was born May 26, 1940, in Hillsboro, Kansas, to Allen and Clara Unruh.

Art graduated from High School and went on to attend Auctioneer Trade School, beginning a career that became an important part of his life. As an auctioneer and real estate broker, he owned and operated Buy Now Realty and Auction. His work gave him the opportunity to meet countless people over the years, and with Art’s love of telling a good joke, there was often laughter along the way.

Art shared 24 years of marriage with Janet Schroeder Sommer. Together they raised four daughters—Katie, Melissa, Shelly, and Debra—and shared an important chapter of Art’s life and the family they built together. Art was also married to Marion Strain Miller.

Art was a man of faith; three Bibles were found open in his home. For much of his adult life, he attended First Mennonite Church in Newton, and in his later years, Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

In 2013, Art married Ruth Ann Leatherman in Ponca City. Art and Ruth shared a love of dancing and enjoyed spending time together on the dance floor at the senior center. Ruth passed away in October 2023. Art continued to enjoy dancing after her passing, with West Coast Swing remaining his favorite.

Art was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Leatherman Unruh; his parents, Allen and Clara Unruh; and his brothers, Vernon Unruh and Glenn Unruh.

He is survived by his four daughters and their spouses and partners: Katie (Unruh) and Tim Pankratz, Melissa (Unruh) and Bob Burton, Shelly (Unruh) and Tony Ingram, and Debra Unruh and Bobby Herrera.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Whitney Janzen-Pankratz, Camden Pankratz, Emma Burton, Elyse Burton, Allyssa Ingram, and Avery Ingram; and two great-grandchildren, Theodore Janzen and Zachary Janzen.

Art’s family is grateful to all those who showed him compassion and love during his final days.

Art will be laid to rest at Restlawn Cemetery 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, with Chaplain John Hull presiding.

Memorials may be made to Kansas Christian Home or Good Shepherd Hospice and left in care if Petersen Funeral Home.