Penny Lynn Hamill

September 1948 – October 2025

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Penny Lynn Hamill, a vibrant, thoughtful, and unforgettable soul who left this world on October 3, 2025 at the age of 77.

Penny was born in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Robert Lee Hamill and Sara Kathryn Hamill, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for family, curiosity, and kindness. From an early age, Penny exhibited a remarkable memory and an uncanny ability to make people feel seen—she never forgot a name or a story.

Penny's life was marked by adventure, passion, and devotion to the people she loved. A proud graduate of Michigan State University, she traveled across Europe as a young college student, embracing new cultures and experiences with an open heart, something she continued throughout her life. She later checked another bold item off her list by skydiving—just one of many ways she reminded us all to live life fully.

A lover of the arts, Penny was a frequent and enthusiastic visitor to the Detroit Institute of Arts. She found inspiration and joy in creativity, whether through the brushstrokes of a painting, exploring drawing classes, or creating silk floral arrangements. Her passion for learning never waned, and her thirst for knowledge was matched only by her generosity in sharing it.

Penny's heart was rooted in her relationships. She is survived by her beloved spouse and best friend, Walter Runyan, with whom she shared a deep, enduring love and a life rich with laughter and companionship.

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Kenneth Hamill (Ellanora), Paul Hamill, and Deborah (Hamill) Levit (Thomas), with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished memories. Penny was a devoted and adoring aunt to her many nieces and nephews: Kimberly (Hamill) Spenrath (Dale), Brett Hamill (Laura), Dr. Laura Hamill (Keith), Brian Hamill (Becky), Brooke Cox (Mac), and Amanda Pullin, Jenna Dickson, Trigger Dickson (Holly). She also delighted in being a great-aunt to 15 wonderful great-nieces and nephews, as well as a new great-great niece, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Her heart expanded even more as she welcomed her treasured stepchildren into her life: Laura Purchase (Victor), Claudia Runyan, Colleen Bethea Thompson (Daniel), and Charles Runyan (Gary Eminger), whom she loved and cherished. Grandchildren Brad Duling (Mandy), Andy Duling (Erin), Danny Bethea, Chris Bethea, Cameron Bethea, Isaiah Runyan (Morgan), Keira Runyan, 8 precious great grandchildren. She quietly celebrated their every milestone and was always just a phone call away with encouragement or a listening ear.

Penny Lynn Hamill was a spiritual woman of deep compassion, fierce intelligence, and a quiet courage that inspired all who knew her. She lived with grace and authenticity, offering love without condition and cultivating connection wherever she went.

We are better for having known her and are heartbroken to say goodbye. Though her absence leaves a profound void, her memory—sharp, spirited, and full of light—will live on in all of us.

A celebration of Penny’s life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, immediately followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance, to share stories, and to honor a life beautifully lived.

Flowers are welcome, and for those who wish to make a lasting tribute, donations may also be made in Penny’s memory to the Detroit Institute of Arts or your local PBS—something she would have wholeheartedly appreciated.

Rest peacefully, dearest Penny. Your love lives on in every heart you touched.