Lila Runge, age 80, died January 28, 2021, at the Great Plains Regional Hospital in North Platte, NE with her loving husband by her side.
Lila was born at the family home in Thomas County, Kansas to Kenneth and Gladys (Compton) Miller on November 9, 1940. She graduated from high school in McDonald, Kansas in 1958.
In the spring of 1958, she met the love of her life, Howard Runge. They were married on September 12, 1958 at the McDonald Federated Church in McDonald, Kansas. They happily celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary with family in 2020. To this union three children were born. They lived in Colby, Kansas, McCook, Nebraska, and in 1976, moved to Culbertson, Nebraska to be closer to their farm.
Early in married life, Lila traveled with Howard and the kids to the many job sites. Later, Lila was often found helping bale and stack hay, caring for the cattle on the farm, and helping the kids with their 4-H projects.
They enjoyed square dancing and were active members in the Family Frolics and Levi and Laces Square dance clubs for many years. Lila enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to those in the community and watched kids after school. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church Ladies Aid. Monthly, she attended the neighborhood birthday club. She enjoyed helping with the grandkids and attended their many activities. Lately, she loved watching the great-grandchildren play and would often spend time FaceTime-ing with them.
Lila was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Marlin and Gail Miller; sister, Leann; and sister-in-law, Connie Miller; brothers-in-law, Richard Gramm, Rex Eyestone, Lee Tubbs, and Johnny Winfrey; and grandson, Heath Fletcher.
Lila is survived by her husband, Howard; son, Robin (Carol) Runge; daughters, Jeanne (Chuck) Leick and Joyce (John) Kershaw; nine grandchildren: Eric (Deanna) Runge, Alex Runge, Aaron (Anallely) Lawless, Jason (Tara) Lawless, Jessica Lawless, Joshua (Abbie) Kershaw, Jordan (Jill) Kershaw, Jacee (Tyler) Jedlicki, and Justin Kershaw; sisters, Kay Winfrey and Twila Miller; sisters-in-law: Kay Miller, Elvira Gramm, Ruby Tubbs, Doris Eyestone, Grace Runge; brother-in-law, John Runge; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. (CT), Monday morning, February 1, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church in Culbertson, NE with Pastor Brad Rick officiating. Interment will follow services in the Culbertson Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 31, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE. The family will be present from 5:00-7:00.
Memorials are suggested to Lutheran Hour Ministries or to the Kidney Cancer Association in Lila’s Name.
Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.
Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE is entrusted with arrangements.