Donna Jean Runkle

Donna Jean Runkle, age 95 of Sidney, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at her home. A woman of grace, faith, and dignity, Donna was born in Botkins, Ohio, on October 5, 1927 to the late Vernon and Eva (Harper) Cochlin. She was the twin of Don Cochlin who preceded her in death in 2019.    Donna attended Quincy High School, where she was a cheerleader and after graduation, at the age of 18, she married the love of her life, Donald Runkle. They raised their children on a farm in Greene Township, where she was an active and long-standing member of the Greenview United Church of Christ. Donna and Donald remained happily married until his death on May 21, 1997.

While Donna lived a heart and faith-centered life, she was also known for her incredible intellect. After raising their two sons, Donna attended Wright State University graduating with a Master’s in Education.  Her passion for learning—from being a schoolteacher for 23 years at Bridgeview and Northwood Schools in Sidney to learning to speak Japanese at the age of 70—illustrated the joys and rewards of living a curious life. With the establishment of Honda in Anna, she reached out and taught English to many Japanese families throughout her later years.

Donna was a feisty, hard-working, frugal, depression-era baby but generous with her children and grandchildren.  Setting an example for others, she lived a self-less life—always putting the needs and comforts of others first. Love was at the core of her being with cooking an extension and expression of her love. She always went out of her way to ensure others were fed and nourished on Christmas, birthdays, holidays, and visits—always being the last person to sit down to eat.  Donna showed what it meant to love unconditionally—fully and without expectations or judgments.

Donna continued to live independently at her home into until her passing. She enjoyed Sunday outings to the Spot and Culvers with her son Bruce and his wife, Shirley and sampling coffee, candy and ice cream at shops around the area with her son, Mark and his wife, Rebecca. A prolific story-teller, she shared tales about her childhood and early life with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who have beautiful memories of her spinning tails at bedtime. She’d use her words to paint vivid and enchanting stories entertaining their young minds while teaching about the power of imagination and storytelling.   After nearly a century of living, Donna’s mind and memory remained incredibly sharp until her passing—rich with boundless knowledge, vivid stories, profound insights, and wise perspectives. 

Donna is survived by two sons, Bruce (Shirley) Runkle of Sidney, and Mark (Rebecca) Runkle of Helena, MT, five grandchildren: Amy (Joel) Hughes, Misty (Mark) Crockett, Emmett Runkle, Lana (Zac) Titus, and Milo Runkle, 10 great-grandchildren: Landon and Sarah Hughes, Breanna, Rachel, Hannah and Claire Crockett, and Alexis, Bella, Aly and Teagan Titus, and two step-great-grandchildren: Adam and Travis Ryland-Davis. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Aldo Cochlin and twin, Don Cochlin, daughter-in-law, Joyce Runkle, and great-granddaughter, Stephanie Runkle.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Grunden officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery in Pasco. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 12:30 PM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Donna may be made to Greenview United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed to the Runkle family at www.cromesfh.com.

Donna was the center of the family. And while the rings of the family continue to grow outwards, like those on a maturing tree, Donna will always remain at its center.    The wise, graceful, intelligent, humorous, talented matriarch. How blessed we all were to have her.