D’Ann Ellise Runk, 79, of The Villages, Florida, former resident of Elk Rapids and Central Lake, Michigan, passed away June 15, 2019 after a tough battle with cancer.
D’Ann was born October 6, 1939 in Port Huron, Michigan, the daughter of Donald and Dorothy Mulligan. Mom lost her dad at an early age and always considered her Step-dad, Kent Gabriel as her “real” dad. He was her hero.
D’Ann graduated from St. Clair High School in 1957. She was always proud to say “the class so cool they wrote a song about us!”
She then attended Central Michigan University, graduating with degrees in Social Work and Elementary Education. She was also a member of the Alpha XI Delta National Sorority.
During her early days of working as a social worker, D’Ann met a handsome blue eyed man working at The Boys Camp of Oakland County. He asked her out to the movies. Mom accepted, not realizing they would be chaperoning a group of boys, who giggled and teased Mr. Robert Runk for having a date. She didn’t scare easy because they married June 24, 1961 and lasted nearly 53 years. In fact they’ll be reunited at Florida National Cemetery, in Bushnell on June 24, 2019.
D’Ann wore many hats in her life. Teacher, social worker, small business owner, cashier, Patient Advocate, Sales assistant and a Michigan State Disability Determination specialist for Social Security, retiring from the state in 2001. She was a former Lioness and on the Chamber of Commerce while living in Central Lake. She was a member of The First Congregational Church in Central Lake, MI, and New Song Church in Lady Lake, Florida.
D’Ann is survived by 4 children: Mary Ann Okas of Central Lake, Michigan; Robert Kent Runk of Central Lake, Michigan; Brian Scott Runk of Ocala, Florida and David Michael Runk of The Villages, Florida; Grandsons Craig (Sarah) McDade of Boston, MA.and Justin (Koreen) McDade of Central Lake, Michigan; Great grandchildren: Carson, Grace, Adam and 3 bonus great grandchildren: Abi, Tristan and Preston; Sister-in-law Delores Finn; many cherished nieces and nephews. Also her fur family, Luka, Meeps, Paddypoe, Ruckus, and Chase. And several dear friends, Sharon Oliver, Kay Davis, Nancy Shade, Greg Laufersky, Cyndy Crego, Kim DeVaughn… I don’t mean to leave anyone out. Know she loves and cherished each of you.
A Celebration of Life will be held at New Song Community Church in Lady Lake on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 11:15a.m. (after the regular 10:00 am church service). Coffee and goodies to follow.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to Children’s Miracle Network or to the families wishes.
Thank you to Cornerstone Hospice, especially Terri, and to Terry at Beyer’s Funeral home for taking such good care of mom.
