Lois Joyce Runkel, 78, of Fife Lake, passed away on January 20, 2014 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, with son, Sam and husband, Tom at her side. She was born on May 3, 1935 in Ludington, th only daughter of the late Fred and Adaline Nankee. Lois was very proud of her parents and talked about them often. Lois married her high school sweetheart, Tom Runkel on June 16, 1956. She was a Registered Nurse who graduated from Hackley School of Nursing in Muskegon. Lois was very smart and graduated 5th in her high school class at Ludington High School as well as nursing school. She worked at Foote Memorial Hospital in Jackson. Lois also had a great talent to sew and made clothes, curtains, quilts. She also enjoyed puzzles. After retirement in 1992, tom and Lois moved from Jackson to Fife Lake. Together they traveled to 75 different countries all over the world, played tennis, golf and loved to do anything and everything. Lois is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Tom; her children, Linda (Mark) Boehm of Niles, Ellen Ford of Grand Rapids, Andy (Tammy) Runkel of Jackson, and Sam (Anna) Runkel of Fife Lake; grandchildren, Bradn and Nate Runkel, Matt, Brooke, Zach, and Adaline Ford, and Sam and Tommy Runkel; great grandchildren, Jack Runkel and Dominic Caldron; brother, Robert Nankee of Midland; as well as many uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Lois’ wonderful life will be announced at a later time. In her memory a contribution can be made to Munson Hospice House, a wonderful place with caring staff, 1105 6th St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Lois loved life and was a very beautiful person. She will truly be missed by her family and friends.
- Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home
