Mary Ann Runyan, 82, passed away on February 15, 2022 in Lenexa, Kansas. She was born on March 13, 1939 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mary Ann spent most of her life helping other. This was a calling from a young child. After graduating high school, Mary Ann chose to attend University of Cincinnati nursing school. At that time she meant Richard C Runyan. The two were happy together and after graduating college the two married.
Mary Ann started nursing , in the mean time she and Richard attempted to try to have a family. Unfortunately, they were unable too. So, after moving to Knoxville,Tenn. They decided to look into adoption. In October 24, 1967, they were contacted about a baby girl up for adoption. They brought into their lives in December 1967, baby girl Mary Allison. So, as time went on, Mary Ann continued stayed at home with the baby. Low and behold , Mary Ann and Richard, 3 years later Mary Ann became pregnant with another daughter, Tracy Ann was born in January 29,1970 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Richard's job took their family to Austin, Texas. While there, Mary Ann became pregnant with their 3rd child. Chris Runyan was born on December 28,1972. As the family settled into their little family, Richard was ask to move to Cederburg, WI. The family moved across the country and lived there in WI for several years with Mary Ann working as being a mother.
After a little bit the family again was asked yo move to Overland Park, KS. After moving in to a house on Craig Dr. In Overland Park, the family would make this their home for the rest of their lives. Mary Ann went back to nursing in the home help nursing in the Kansas. Then after leaving home health she resumed nursing but at Research Medical Center on the cancer floor. She explained, she felt there was those that gave her hopefulness while working with them.
As time moved on Mary Allison, met her future husband, Rick Johnson and they had 3 grand children Alexandria Ann, Geoffrey Daniel and Michael Earl. She loved taking care of her grandchildren. In 1994, she was asked to return to care for her elderly parents C.T. Alexander.and Lenora Webb Alexander. (Previous passed). Mary Ann had a brother, W.O. Buddy Alexander (that lived in Cincinnati,Ohio (currently living ). He met his wife Marilyn. They married and had two children, Doug Alexander and Becky Alexander.
As time passed Mary Ann was moved back to Kansas City in her later years to be cared for by her kids in Kansas City. This move happened in 2014. While living her last years she enjoyed going out to dinner with family and holding holiday celebration in her assisted living apartment.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm June 11, 2022 at Preston Pruitt Spurlin Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1pm until service time on Saturday. Burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery.
Active pallbearer will be Rick Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Alexander, Dr. Jack Hankla, Chris Runyan, Geoffrey Johnson, Michael Johnson, Alexandria Spruill, and great-granddaughter, Sophia Sue Lynn Johnson.
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