Mary Ann Runtzel

Mary Ann Runtzel, one of 10 children of the late Cecil Christopher Grier and Edith (Holestine) Grier, was born December 23, 1923, in Marshfield, Missouri. Her sister, Jeannie lovingly referred to Mary as “Bobby”. On November 10, 1948, in Springfield, Missouri, Mary was united in marriage to Otto Andrew Runtzel. They shared over 47 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on February 18, 1996. Mary was a hardworking woman and took great pride in helping to provide for her and Otto’s two girls, Stephanie and Debra. She worked at Fort Leonard Wood as a civil service employee in the Finance Department and retired after 35 years of faithful service. She made many lifelong friends during her time at Fort Leonard Wood. Mary was the queen of the kitchen. Her specialties were zucchini breads, fried chicken, roast beef, and homemade noodles. She always made homemade cookies to send home with everyone that came to visit. In her spare time, Mary loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the Kansas City Chiefs football team, especially with a beer and some popcorn. She was a member of the Shrine Wives Club for many years. The one thing that brought her more joy than anything was her family. They were very important to her, and she treasured the times that she could spend with them. Mary was carried to her heavenly home in the arms of the angels on Friday, May 10, 2024, in the Lake Regional Hospital of Osage Beach, Missouri having attained the age of 100 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her two daughters: Stephanie Marsh (Malcolm) of Waynesville, MO and Debra Runtzel-Young (Thomas) of Wildwood, MO; four grandchildren: Michele Carmack (Nathan) of Waynesville, MO, Kyle Young (Chelsea) of St. Charles, MO, Blair Young-Whitworth (Cody) of Waterloo, IL, and Drew Young (Kaci) of Creve Coeur, MO; ten great grandchildren: Colten, Colby, Chance, Graham, Julian, Summer, Brian “Bubba”, Bluebelle, Carter and Otto; ten great-great grandchildren; one sister: Jeannie Rimmer of Springfield, MO; brother-in-law: Harold Reed; step granddaughter: Beth Wood and her children: Cody and Dakota; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by five brothers: Joe, John, Ray, Leroy, and Jim; three sisters: Myrtle, Pat, and Edith; and one son-in-law: Billy Fenton. Even though she is gone from our sight, Mary’s spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Visitation will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2024 with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Burial will follow in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Ann Runtzel to an organization of the donor's choice and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Mary Ann Runtzel

December 23, 1923 - May 10, 2024