Lila Runge

Lila Runge

Nov. 9, 1940 - Jan. 28, 2021

CULBERTSON, Neb. — Lila Runge, 80, died Jan. 28, 2021, at the Great Plains Regional Hospital in North Platte, Neb., with her loving husband by her side.

Lila was born at the family home in Thomas County, Kan., to Kenneth and Gladys (Compton) Miller on Nov. 9, 1940. She graduated from high school in McDonald, Kan., in 1958.

In the spring of 1959, she met the love of her life, Howard Runge. They were married on Sept. 12, 1959, at the McDonald Federated Church in McDonald. They happily celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary with family in 2020. To this union three children were born. They lived in Colby, Kan., McCook, Neb., and in 1975, moved to Culbertson to be closer to their farm.

Early in married life, Lila traveled with Howard and the kids to the many job sites. Later, Lila was often found helping bale and stack hay, caring for the cattle on the farm, and helping the kids with their 4-H projects.

They enjoyed square dancing and were active members in the Family Frolics and Levi and Laces Square dance clubs for many years. Lila enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to those in the community and watched kids after school. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church Ladies Aid. Monthly, she attended the neighborhood birthday club. She enjoyed helping with the grandkids and attended their many activities. Lately, she loved watching the great-grandchildren play and would often spend time FaceTime-ing with them.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Marlin and Gail Miller; sister, Leann; and sister-in-law, Connie Miller; brothers-in-law, Richard Gramm, Rex Eyestone, Lee Tubbs, and Johnny Winfrey; and grandson, Heath Fletcher.

Lila is survived by her husband, Howard; son, Robin (Carol) Runge; daughters, Jeanne (Chuck) Leick and Joyce (John) Kershaw; nine grandchildren: Eric (Deanna) Runge, Alex Runge, Aaron (Anallely) Lawless, Jason (Tara) Lawless, Jessica Lawless, Joshua (Abbie) Kershaw, Jordan (Jill) Kershaw, Jacee (Tyler) Jedlicki, and Justin Kershaw; sisters, Kay Winfrey and Twila Miller; sisters-in-law: Kay Miller, Elvira Gramm, Ruby Tubbs, Doris (Bob) Eyestone, Grace Runge; brother-in-law, John Runge; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church in Culbertson with Pastor Brad Rick officiating.  Interment followed services in the Culbertson Cemetery.

 Visitation with family present was Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. 

Memorials are suggested to Lutheran Hour Ministries or to the Kidney Cancer Association in Lila’s Name.  Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.