Theresa M. Unruh

Theresa M. Unruh passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2026. She was 93 years old. She was born on December 27, 1932, in Still Pond, MD, the daughter of the late Thomas Mann and Mary Elizabeth (Crossley) Mann. She attended Chestertown High School and thoroughly enjoyed attending the annual class reunions. In 1950 she married the love of her life, Donald Lee Unruh. She and Donald raised their children on the farm, where Theresa contributed to its operation in many ways, and where they frequently opened their home to friends and family in times of need. Later, she would work for Baltimore Business Forms and then Control Switch in Chestertown. In 1981, she and Donald opened Unruh’s Coffee Shop, which they owned and operated until 1987. From 1999 to 2006 they owned and operated Unruh’s Carryout, where Theresa was lovingly known as “The Soup Lady.” In 2007, she retired to focus on family and spend time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Theresa enjoyed bowling, reading, word puzzles and spent many hours socializing with friends and family. She and her husband absolutely loved to dance and could clear the floor while others joyfully watched. They attended as many social events as they could, including the Chestertown Cotillion where they would dance the night away. Theresa supported her husband and the community for many years preparing meals for the monthly meetings of the Kent Ruritan Club. Theresa enjoyed traveling, whether it be a bus trip, a cruise, or simply camping with her friends and family. She particularly enjoyed her trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Florida and Wyoming. She was a talented cook and loved making recipes that had been passed down through generations and will continue to be passed down today. Theresa was known for her delicious soups, her chicken salad, and her irresistible rice pudding. She was also known to never be able to resist ice cream. In addition to her husband of 72 years, she was preceded in death by a son, Tommy Unruh; daughter, Beverly Unruh; grandson, Brandon Middleton; sister, Alice Klein; as well as multiple foster siblings who she remained close with throughout the years. She is survived by her children: Rick Unruh (Lynnette) of Laurel, DE; Joe Unruh (Robin) of Chestertown MD; Barbara Wyman (Jim) of King George, VA; Cathy Cole (Brian) of Centreville, MD; a daughter-in-law, Pat Unruh, Chestertown MD; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; as well as a special friend, Doris Greiner. Services will be held on Friday, March 27 at 12:00 pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown. A viewing will be held one hour prior, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Chester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Theresa’s memory to Compass Regional Hospice at 160 Coursevall Dr. Centreville, MD 21617.

Theresa M. Unruh

December 27, 1932 - March 18, 2026