( July 05, 1953 – April 28, 2022 )

Dodge City – Derise Dian Unruh, 68, died April 28, 2022 at her home in Dodge City. She was born on July 5, 1953 in Wichita, the daughter of Jerry O. and Delmadean (Wolf) Bryant.

Derise spent her childhood in Ensign, graduating from Ensign High School in 1970. On June 2, 1974, Derise married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Lynn Unruh. He preceded her in death on December 31, 2015. They made their home in Dodge City and raised their daughter, Stanna. Derise and Stan enjoyed taking cruises together, especially to the Caribbean.

She worked several jobs before beginning her career as a drug and alcohol counselor at New Chance, Inc. in Dodge City. Derise moved from a counselor to becoming the director of New Chance. She retired from New Chance in 2015 after serving over 30 years. Derise enjoyed cross-stitching and collecting Mickey Mouse figurines. Her greatest love was for her family. She loved it when they would all get together for celebrations and holidays.

Derise is survived by her daughter, Stanna Unruh-Sparks and husband Patrick of Dodge City; a granddaughter, Hannah Sparks of Minneola; two sisters, Delynda Keefe and husband David of Seminole, Florida and Dee Fields and husband Gaylen of Ozawkie; a brother, Jarry Bryant of Dodge City; sisters-in-law, Lennetta Nightengale and husband John of Phoenix, Arizona and Gina Waters of Macksville; brother-in-law, Kim Unruh and wife Marsha of Montezuma; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Stan, Derise is preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Derise’s life will be held at a later date. There is no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to New Chance, Inc. in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.