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Neil H. Runyon
October 18,1932 - October 23, 2021
Neil Henry Runyon, age 89 of Monroe, passed away the morning of Saturday October 23, 2021 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Neil was born October 18, 1932 in Monroe, MI to the late Hershal and Mildred (Bressler) Runyon. He proudly served his country by joining the United States National Guard. Neil would go on to meet and marry the love of his life, Rosann Bastien, on June 6, 1953 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Newport. Neil made his living by working over 30 years and eventually retiring from Ford Motor Company.
Neil was a faithful member and usher of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Monroe. He was a loyal worshiper of God, praying the rosary daily and serving as a former Knight of Columbus. No matter the day of the week, Neil always loved taking “Sunday drives”, often taking backroads just to enjoy nature. He walked the Mackinaw Bridge every Labor Day with family up until just a few years ago. He enjoyed woodworking very much, building a cabin Up North with his family for them all to enjoy. Neil also loved cars, classic TV shows such as Hee Haw and Mash, and listening to Country Music. His weakness has always been sweets; baked goods, particularly oatmeal cookies, and a big bowl of Butter Pecan ice cream were a few of his favorites. Above all else, Neil loved spending time with his family and friends.
Family and friends may visit from 1-8pm on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at Rupp Funeral Home, where a Rosary will be held that evening at 7pm. Neil will lie in-state at 10am on Thursday October 28, 2021 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will be held at 11am. In accordance with Neil's wishes, cremation will occur and his ashes will be placed in a niche at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
To cherish his memory, Neil leaves his loving wife, Rosann; two sons, Rick (Becky) Runyon and Patrick (Krestina) Runyon; eight daughters: Christal Hoffman, Louise Runyon, Ruby (Glenn) Spears, Catherine (William) England, Joan O'Dell, Terrie Gee (William Willit), Cindy Cox, and Peggy (Jose) Perez Parra; one brother, James (Barbara) Runyon; two sisters, Nancy Souva, Karen Smeltzer; three sister-in laws, Michelle Savage, Nancy Savage, and Marylou Kemmerling; twenty two grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and two more great great grandchildren that are due to arrive soon.
Along with his parents, Neil is also preceded in death by his step father, Lennis Savage; son, Allen Runyon; two stepbrothers, Lenny and Robert Savage; sons in law, Fran Hoffman and Danny O'Dell; three brother-in laws, Charles Kemmerling, James Smeltzer, and Cletus Souva and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Pascarelli.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Neil's honor are asked to please consider St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.