Pauline Grace “Polly” Runke, age 79, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026. A Memorial Service will be held at Leawood Presbyterian Church, 2715 W. 83rd Street, Leawood, Kansas 66206, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm, with a reception following the Memorial Service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leawood Presbyterian Church, 2715 W. 83rd Street, Leawood, Kansas 66206, or online at https://leawoodpres.org/give/.
Polly was born on May 25, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She was adopted by Harold and Retha Tuvell and was raised in Lake City, Iowa. She graduated from Mankato State University, where she met Robert “Bob” Runke. Polly and Bob were married in 1969 and shared 54 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2023.
Polly was a devoted mother to her two children, Jennifer Lyn Jones and Ryan Runke, and a loving grandmother to Skyler Runke, Cole Fisher, and Ben Fisher, who brought her great joy.
She dedicated her career to education, serving as both an elementary school secretary and a high school typing teacher. Through her work, she supported students and educators with care and commitment.
Polly will be remembered as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a treasured friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
