Rose M. Runyon

Rose M. Runyon, age 74, of Dowagiac, died peacefully Saturday, January 30, 2021 in the comfort of her husband’s presence.

Her life began August 25, 1946 in Noble Township, Michigan, one of nine children born to Walter and Fannie Smith.  She married Norman Lawrence Runyon November 19, 1966 in Branch County, Michigan.  He survives.

Rose was the queen of corny jokes.  She had a beautiful powerful alto voice and loved to sing in church.  Rose was famous for her cookies.  She loved cooking, baking, canning and taking care of her family.  Rose loved her grandkids.  She called each of her kids and grandkids on their birthday and sang “Happy Birthday” to them.  Rose always had a way of bringing her family joy and making them laugh.

Rose will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by her husband of over fifty-four years, Norman Runyon of Dowagiac; two daughters, Katrina (Tom) Schultz of Greeley, Colorado, Shannon Runyon of Park City, Utah; three sons, Erik (Heather) Runyon of Niles, Adam (fiancé Danielle Keller) Runyon of Valparaiso, Indiana, Alex (Michelle) Runyon of Battle Creek; ten grandchildren, Logan Runyon, Noah Runyon, Ainsley Runyon, Gabriel Schultz, Samara Schultz, Lucas Schultz, Haley Runyon, Lilly Runyon, Holly Runyon, Zachary Good; three sisters, Mabel Hough of Bronson, Michigan, Violet Garman of Coldwater, Michigan, Shirley Bodine of Bronson, Michigan; one brother, Walter (Delores) Smith of Bronson, Michigan; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Suzanna Smith; and two brothers, John Smith, Donald Smith.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 12 Noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Pleasant Hill Missionary Church, 880 Pleasant Hill Road, Bronson, Michigan.  Mrs. Runyon will be laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Rose be made to Diamond Cove Missionary Church, 22820 Diamond Cove Road, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.  Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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