Source: Annie Runion Obituary

Description:

Annie "Loa" Runion (January 30, 1906 - August 13, 2012)

Annie "Loa" (Batson) Runion area teacher peacefully exchanged this earthly life for eternal life with her Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ on August 13, 2012. "Death rides on every passing breeze, He lurks on every flower."

Loa was born in Makanda Township on January 30, 1906 the last of nine children born to James Rolla and JoAnna (Hunsaker) Batson. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1927 and began her long teaching career, throughout many different communities in Southern Illinois. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Runion, of Herrin, Illinois on June 28, 1929 in Carbondale, Illinois and he preceded her in death on November 12, 1972. They were blessed with two children, Mauna Loa in 1932, and James Rolla "J.R." in 1935.

"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and the angels know of us." Loa Runion was a woman of sterling character, a loving and dedicated mother, grand-mother and teacher. She retired from Pinckneyville Community High School in 1970. As a previous advisor for the Perry County Farm Bureau Rural Youth Program she was instrumental in getting the first lighting system installed on the baseball fields at the Perry County Fair Grounds. She served as Chairwoman for the Perry County American Cancer Society; President of the Pinckneyville Woman's Club and was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. A member of the Methodist Church in Pinckneyville, she belonged to Methodist Women, Mary-Martha Circle, and was a long-time teacher of the Philemon Sunday School Class. In 2009 she was honored by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce as their Citizen of the Year and served as Grand Marshall of the Mardi Gras Parade. Loa celebrated her "106th" birthday at Fairview Nursing Center in January, which included family, friends, and interviews from local area television stations and newspapers.

Loa leaves to mourn her departure daughter-in-law Melba Jennings Runion, seven grandchildren; Mary Ruth Tritschler (Jerry), Mike Bailey (Tina), Chris Bergfeld (Jeff), Steve Bailey (Diane), Debra Green (Tom), Diana Wunderly (Ken), Jim Runion, Jr.; 9 great grandchildren; 21 great-great children; nieces and nephews Mary Alice Blessing, Marilyn Roberts, Bill Eaton, Bob Batson, William Warner, Robert Runion and Bill Runion.

Loa Batson Runion gave her heart to Jesus when she was 13 years old, remaining a faithful follower of Christ until she reached the end of her way. It grieves us sorely to give her up, but our Savior knows what is best. Soon we will join her in our home of eternal rest.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Runion, son J.R. Runion, daughter Mauna Loa Bailey, son-in-law Don Bailey, her parents, sisters and brothers, Della Eaton, Gussie McDaniel, Mary Lewis, Delpha Batson, Elmer Elston Batson, Alec Batson, and Hugo Batson. Nieces and nephews: JoAnn Eaton Robinson, Della M. Lewis Carico, Normagene McDaniel Warner, Bob McDaniel, Allan-Dale McDaniel, Ardeth McDaniel and David Batson. Two grandchildren also preceded her in death, great-grandson Christopher Stuart Cassel Jr. and great-great granddaughter Sidnee Stephens.

Funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Jim Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale, IL.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Type: Public Announcement

Date: 2012-08-15

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Pages that use this source:

Annie Baston

Charles Kenneth Runion

James Rolla Runion

Mauna Loa Runion


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