Donna Unruh

Donna Unruh
Organist

The Organist/Pianist at Huffman U.M. Church is Donna Unruh. Donna came to Huffman at the age of 12 when her father (she is the daughter of the late Wm. (Bill) F. and LaVema Herndon) was transferred from the Jackson County office of the Missouri Highway Department to St. Joseph. She grew up in Lee's Summit and began her church music career at age 4 singing in the children's choirs. Her piano teacher was the organist and her debut was at age 10 "assisting" Mrs. House with the offertory one Sunday.

She comes from a long line of church pianists and choir members (although some of them WERE Baptists!). While growing up at Huffman, she was active in the MYF, youth choir, bell choir, and Sunday school. She has fond memories of those who were here to welcome her into the Huffman family: Janet Leucht, the choir & bell choir director, Rev. Purviance, his wife Ruth, and of course those 5 gorgeous sons they had! And then there were Tom & Julia Schneider who later were the choir director and organist. Donna was called upon as a substitute since the age of 16 (whenever the church got desperate) and would occasionally do a special number during the summer months; she also was her dad's favorite accompanist for his special numbers and solos.

In 1994, the church was in need of an organist and Donna was asked to "temporarily" fill in until a replacement could be found. She agreed but asked that the committee NOT remove the ad from the paper! She will begin her 11th (temporary) year of service in October, 2004.

Donna's day job is as a pharmacist. She is employed by the Apothecary located in downtown St. Joseph. She graduated from Central High School, attended Missouri Western for two years, and finished her degree at UMKC. In 1977, she married Roger Unruh and they split their time between KC & St. Joe, as one of them always worked in the opposite city! From 1979 to 1986 they worshiped and shared their talents at the Arley U.M. Church outside of Kearney, MO. They moved back to St. Joseph in 1986 and resumed their relationship with the Huffman congregation.

Donna & Roger have 3 children: Elizabeth, Isaac, and Jon. Anyone who knows the family will tell you they are soccer fans. All of the children played from an early age and all specialized as goal keepers. Roger has coached a team in some form or another since Elizabeth was 5! Donna also enjoys playing in the bell choir at Huffman and spends time, when allowed, working in their yard and around the house. She is always "fixing" something! She enjoys mission work, cross-stitch, and playing the piano just for the fun of it.