Norma Dea (Turpin) Unruh, age 91, of Mount Judea, passed through this veil of life into the loving arms of family and her eternal home on August 30, 2020.    Dea was born on August 2, 1929 as the fifth and final child to her adoring parents Chase Ervin and Emma Luvina (Norman) Turpin in Scott City, Kansas.

Although a child of the Great Depression, Dea lived a very exciting and fulfilling life of faith, family, fun, love and service.  She traveled the country and parts of the world with her 6 energetic children in tow following her beloved husband Eldrid Clay "EC" Unruh's long and eventful Naval career. They retired in 1967 to what is fondly referred to as "God's country" in the beautiful mountains of Mt. Judea, Arkansas.  There they finished raising their children on their family farm eventually adding wonderful in-laws, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren with one more on his/her way, and 1 great-great grandchild.  She lovingly esteemed each of them as her "pride and joy!"

Dea faithfully served the communities she lived in throughout her life through scouting, sports activities, 4-H, EHC, the Arts Guild, and her Baptist Church activities.  But mostly she served by always being a good example, neighbor and friend to all she met.   As a family we can truly say that we have never heard her speak an unkind word about another person.  Dea is the heart and soul of our family and she will be greatly missed until we each in-turn are called home to that joyous, never-ending family reunion and that inevitable "tea party" that awaits us!

Dea was proceeded in death by her parents, each of her siblings, Ena, Edie, Chet, and Kenny, her husband EC, son David, great granddaughter Brady SueAnn and countless other extended family members with whom she adored.   What a wonderful reunion they are all having at this time!!!

Dea is survived by her remaining 5 children and their families: Steve and Kathy Unruh of Mt. Judea and their children Justin and Stephanie (Johnston); Sharon and Dwight Pierce of Mt. Judea and their children Cindy (Keenom) and Jill (Wilborn); Debbie and Tim Cooper of Harrison and their children Amy (Lippe), Caleb and Ethan; Mark and Debbie Unruh of Salt Lake City and their children Mariah, Samantha, Eric, Michael and Dallen; and Brian and Kim Unruh of Harrison and their children Karson and Hayden.

As a family we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the kindness shown to Dea throughout her life by extended family, friends, her Newton County Baptist Church family and in these past few years by the attentive and loving Hillcrest Nursing Home personnel.

Until we meet again Mom and Grandma we will each do our best to carry on your wonderful legacy of love to all!

Visitation will be at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison, Arkansas on Thursday, September 3, from 8 am – 7 pm with family in attendance from 5 pm – 7 pm.  Please note that masks are required in the funeral home.   Due to health conditions, graveside services will be family only at the McCutcheon Cemetery in Bass, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are grandsons, Corey Johnston, Jason Keenom, William Wilborn, Brad Lippe, Caleb Cooper, Ethan Cooper, Michael Unruh, and Dallen Unruh.

Honorary pallbearers are Brock Lippe, Terell Wilborn, Evan Unruh, Kason Keenom, Myles Unruh, Jerry Unruh, Blaine Cooper, Rhett Cooper, Wylie Cooper and Xavier Keenom.

In lieu of flowers if you would like to donate to the McCutcheon Cemetery fund please mail your donations to Debbie Tennison, 11037 NC 5070, Mt. Judea, AR 72655.

On-line condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.