Bernice Amelia (Ruder) Unrein

Bernice Amelia (Ruder) Unrein, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Overland Park, Kan.

Bernice was born August 3, 1928, in Hays, Kan., to Carl and Rosa (Rupp) Ruder. Bernice was delivered by her future father-in-law, Dr. Gerard Unrein. Bernice grew up on the family farm south of Hays, and her parents eventually moved the family to town when she was in high school.  After graduating Girls Catholic High School, she worked as a telephone operator supervisor for Southwestern Bell.

Bernice married the love of her life, Francis Alfred Unrein, on June 7, 1948, in Hays. They were happily married for 69 years until Francis’ death in 2017. To this union brought four children: Keith (Sandy), Overland Park; Marybeth (Warren) Harwick, Fort Worth, Texas; Kevin (Jyl), Chanute; and Robin (David) Hagedorn, Mission.

Upon Francis’ graduation from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, job opportunities in Norton and Oakley brought Francis and Bernice back to North Central Kansas, and eventually resulted in the purchase of their very own store, Unrein Drug Store, in Plainville, their home for the next 59 years. Francis and Bernice owned and operated Unrein Drug Store until Francis’ retirement in 1991.

Throughout her life, Bernice was an active member of the Rooks County Health Center Auxiliary, volunteering in the gift shop, Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, and later Curè of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood. She was a devoted wife to Francis and mourned his loss every day. She loved her children and being a mother, however, being a grandmother and great-grandmother brought her much joy. In her younger years, Bernice enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, cooking, gardening, entertaining, friendships, hosting family get-togethers and making sure everyone had something to eat or drink (something she continued to do even in her final days). You could often find Bernice and Francis on the golf course, relaxing on their patio, watching the KU Jayhawks and golf on TV. Bernice fiercely loved and defended those close to her. She survived breast cancer, a stroke, moving to Kansas City in her 80s and living independently after Francis’ death. She had a wonderful smile and beautiful hair, was easy to laugh, and was a great conversationalist. She loved her family, faith and friends, but nothing compared to the love she had for Francis.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis; brothers: Marcellus, Alphonse, Julius and Norman; sisters, Irene Munsch, Mary Rose Dreiling, and Alma Keaton; and son-in-law, Alan McClure.

She is survived by her four children and spouses; sister, Lorraine Arnold Cook of Denver, Colo.; and many extended relatives. Bernice was a loving “Mimi” to her grandchildren: Lindsay (Jonathan) McPhail, Fairway; Kelly (Drew) Nicholls, Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Spencer McClure (Erin Horn), Fort Worth, Texas. She was also the proud “Great Mimi” to great-grandsons, Kai and Keiran McPhail; and great-granddaughter, Astrid McClure.

Visitation will be at Curè of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66206, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Rosary at 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment for Bernice and Francis will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hays on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Curè of Ars Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent in care of Signature Funerals, 406D E. Bannister Road, Kansas City, Mo. 64131, or at www.signaturefunerals.com.