Mildred Elaine Runkle

Millie was born in Petersburg, VA to Marie and Louis Jefferson on April 21,1925. The family moved to Washington, DC in 1936. She graduated from Eastern High School in Washington, in 1943. While still in high school, she worked part-time at Woolworths, and met the love of her life, Bill Runkle, who was working for the FBI. Bill then enlisted in the Army Air Corp. She and Bill married August 25, 1945, in Biloxi, MS, just a week before the end of WWII.

Living in the DC area after their marriage, Millie worked at the Bureau of Ships with the Navy Department, while Bill completed his degree at GWU. The FBI then took them to Kansas City, MO where Jeff was born, and then Chicago, IL where Janet was born. In 1962, the Runkle family was transferred to the DC area where they made their home in Springfield, VA.

From then on, Millie enjoyed life as an active and loving homemaker. She was a choir member at Springfield United Methodist Church, an avid bowler, Cub Scout den mother, excellent seamstress, enjoyed all types of needlework, and was a wonderful cook. Most of all, she was always there for her children…always.

Millie went back to work, utilizing her professional secretarial skills, after her kids were grown. She enjoyed a great career at the Bureau of Land Management, with the Department of Interior for many years.

Millie was a beautiful lady of great faith. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to so many.

Millie is preceded in death by her husband, Denton William (Bill) Runkle; her parents, Louis and Marie Jefferson; and brother Louis Randolph Jefferson.

She is survived by son Jeffrey Alan Runkle; daughter Janet Runkle Wall (Chris); sister Rachel Jefferson Saunders. Grandchildren Chris Runkle (Chelsea); Katie Runkle DeRitis (Chip); Michael Dunn (Stephanie) and Will Dunn (Ansley). And 5 great-grandchildren – Brooks, Audrey, Dash, Dakota and Brady.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the many nurses, doctors and caregivers at Greenspring, Capital City Nurses, and Capital Caring Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Springfield United Methodist Church or Greenspring Benevolent Fund.