Betty was born December 26, 1925 in Tom Green County, Texas, the daughter of the late Rector L. and Betty Kearney Henderson of San Angelo, Texas. She graduated from Central High School and attended Southern Methodist University.
She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Ralph Runkles, January 24, 1945 when he returned from his service for the Marines during World War II.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother and active in church and Bible studies while raising their four children. She and her husband lived in College Station, Texas for many years of their marriage. Once Betty’s husband retired from Texas A&M University, they moved back home to the San Angelo area. She loved being a wife, mother and grandmother and continued to enjoy Bible studies and church throughout her life. Her faith was very important to her.
Betty is survived by one son, Richard Ralph Runkles (Janet) of Windsor, Colorado, two daughters, Marcia Lyn Samuelson (John), of San Angelo Texas, and Rebecca Runkles Dunnebacke (Dr. Robert), of Fort Worth, Texas; son in law Roy Lee McNeill of San Angelo, Texas, eight grandchildren, Steven Clark Hall of San Angelo, Texas, Dr. Stacey Hall Bain (Kevin) of San Antonio, Texas, Jeffrey Scott Hall (Angela) of Bulverde, Texas, Leslie Brooks Ludy (Eric) of Windsor, Colorado, David Scott Runkles (Patricia) of Fort Collins, Colorado, John Henderson Runkles (Tasha) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Angela Dunnebacke Hutchens (Chad) of Birmingham, Alabama, Joseph Brian Dunnebacke (Emily) of Weatherford, Texas, and nineteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Dr. Jack Ralph Runkles in 2014, one sister, Tamea Hemphill (Bill) of San Angelo, Texas and a daughter, Margo Ann McNeill (Roy) of San Angelo, Texas.
Memorials may be sent to College Hills Baptist Church, 2102 Johnson Avenue, San Angelo, Texas 76904.
A family graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at Fairmount Cemetery, San Angelo, Texas. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
