Luella Blaylock Unruh

Luella Blaylock Unruh, age 71, passed away in her home in Anna, Texas on Monday, November 28th , 2022, with her husband Stephen by her side.

Luella was a faith-filled woman who welcomed and loved everyone around her as if they were family. She was born to Vince and Luella Struglinski on December 29, 1950. When she graduated from Kelly High School in Chicago, her exuberance for life was known by those around her through her roles as Lieutenant Colonel in R.O.T.C. and as a Majorette, performing at each football game. While those may seem like very different activities, anyone who knew
Luella would tell you she could do just about anything successfully.

After graduating from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Luella started off her career with a 15-year stint in retail sales and management before transitioning to real estate. She was a Realtor with Century 21 for 33 years and helped hundreds of clients find the house they could truly call “home”. She was recognized with many sales awards and even received the coveted company-wide Quality Service Award for her dedicated work.

Luella had the uncanny ability to radiate joy in every moment and she was always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand even to those she had just met. Her annual Christmas parties were just another extension of her generosity as she took time to truly connect with each guest. While she found joy in so many things she did, her passions included her missionary work in Cuba and love of animals. Her affection for cats throughout her life led her to garner the title “The Cat Whisperer” from some.

In just 5 years, Luella ventured on 9 mission trips to Cuba where she was able to share the gospel with hundreds of people, forge lasting relationships with the people she met along with her teammates, and even get arrested (in true rebel fashion). When she was back at home, she continued her work in ministry at her home church and often rescued stray cats and brought them into her home.

Luella is survived by her husband, Stephen; stepsons, Chris and Michael; brother, Paul; Nieces Jacqueline Williamson, Jessica Langham, and Yolanda Marie, Nephews Vincent Struglinski, and Phil Blaylock, and goddaughter, Nicole. On top of her family, Luella is survived by many friends and loved ones who will continue her legacy of open arms and open hearts. Luella was preceded in death by her parents, Vince and Luella, by her brother, Peter, and by her Spouse Morris Blaylock.

– In lieu of flowers donations may be made to ASPCA – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at https://secure.aspca.org/donate