Obituary of Jean M. Runyon

ILION – Mrs. Jean M. “Beanie” (Vandawalker) Runyon, age 76, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, August 25, 2018, in the privacy and comfort of her home, with family by her side.

Born on January 18, 1942, Jean was the daughter of the late Leon and Marion (Steele) Vandawalker. She was raised and educated in Ilion and was a graduate of Ilion High School.

On November 5, 1960, Jean and Duane R. Runyon were married, and together the two shared in a loving and devoted marriage of almost fifty-five years, until Duane’s passing on January 28, 2015.

Jean spent her career as a phlebotomist and for many years she was employed with Centrex (LabCorp), until recently when her illness no longer permitted her to work. She loved her patients and made a special connection with each and every one of them. She was a hard worker and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

In her spare time, Jean enjoyed the simple things in life, and she loved crocheting, puzzles, crosswords, sudoku and games on her cell phone, which helped to keep her mind sharp. She was also an admirer of nature, and spent a lot of time in her garden and watching the birds from her porch.

Survivors include her four children and their families, D. Alan and Christine Runyon of Rockville, MD; Laurel Griffith of Wilkesboro, NC, and her children, Elijah Bittner and Amberleigh Griffith; Eric Runyon of Ilion, and his son, Zachary Runyon, whom Jean helped raise and shared a special bond with; and Sheila Runyon and James Corn of Fairfield, PA and their son, James Corn, Jr. She also leaves her sister, Virginia Vandawalker of Ilion; her brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Pamela Vandawalker of Ilion, and a sister-in-law, Kathie Vandwalker of Herkimer; her in-laws, Kenneth Runyon and companion, Karen Ford of Ilion, Peter and Barbara Runyon of Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides her husband, Jean was predeceased by her brother, Ralph Vandawalker in 2001.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours or funeral service. Her earthly remains will be laid to rest at Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion, at the convenience of her family.

Jean’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Homes, Martin L. Ciaccia, Don Applegate and Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors.