Norma Jean Runnells

Norma Jean Runnells, daughter of Roy and Helen Crist, was born March 19th, 1936 in rural Richland Township in Miami County and departed this life on January 22nd, 2025 at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas at the age of 88. Norma was a mother and homemaker before she began working at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant in DeSoto, Kansas where she worked for over five years. She later worked at King Radio / Honeywell Aviation and Electronics for over twenty-five years as a master solderer and technician before retiring in 1999. Norma enjoyed sewing, cooking and crafts and going on a cruise to the Bahamas and a trip to Hawaii with family. She also enjoyed visiting the casino on weekends and Las Vegas several times a year when she was able. She was married to Jackie Dale Hopkins (deceased) in 1954, and to that union were four children, daughter, Geraldine Murphy of Kansas City, KS, daughter, Marlene Dade of Kansas City, KS, son, Charles Hopkins (deceased) and daughter, Darlene (Dolly) Lillard of Gardner, KS. Norma and Jackie were divorced in 1963. Norma had a second marriage and to that union was a son, Earl Leroy Cole, Jr. of Olathe, KS. That marriage also ended in divorce. Norma then married Jerry Runnells (deceased) in 1984 and with that union she won the hearts of four additional children that she called her own, daughter, Judi Chapman of El Dorado, KS, son, Joel Runnells (deceased), daughter, Jelene Mattison (deceased) and daughter, Jerelyn Runnells of Lawrence, KS. Jerry departed this earth in 2023.

Norma was also blessed with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, of which two grandsons, Travis Murphy and Curtis Dade preceded her in death. Along with her parents, Roy and Helen Crist, she had two brothers, Charles Crist and Clifford Crist that preceded her in death. She leaves one brother, Harold Crist of Wellsville, KS. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all.

Norma will be cremated per her request and there will be no services per her request. The family may plan a celebration of life in March.

Norma Jean Runnells

March 19, 1936 - January 22, 2025

Brought to you by Bruce Funeral Home, Inc.

Norma Jean Runnells

Gardner, Kansas

March 19, 1936 - January 22, 2025

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