Sue Shelton Runkle

RUNKLE RALEIGH - Sue Shelton Runkle, 85, a well-respected and innovative choral director who led the music program at Highland United Methodist Church from the mid-1960's until her retirement in the late 1980's, died Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Rex Hospital. Mrs. Runkle had battled cancer since a diagnosis last fall. Born May 18, 1925, in Winston-Salem, she received her bachelor of arts degree in Music Education from Guilford College. Preceding her in death were her husband, Benjamin Grove Runkle; and a son, Steven Whitten Runkle; her son, Ben Runkle, of Raleigh, survives. Also surviving are a nephew, David Gibson, of Walterboro, SC, and a niece, Kate Rice of Rio Linda, CA. Mrs. Runkle taught music in Forsyth County Schools and was choir director at Hanes Methodist Church in Winston-Salem in the 50's through early 60's. She taught kindergarten at Raleigh Pre-School in the mid 60's and was choir director and later Minister of Music at Highland United Methodist Church. She and her husband, Ben founded the Carolina Antique Mall, the first of its kind in the area, around 1990 at the Glenwood Village Shopping Center and later moved to the space at Cameron Village, now occupied by the Junior League Bargain Box. In addition to being a loving wife and mother who encouraged her talented sons' participation in music, Mrs. Runkle touched many lives with her greatest passion, teaching voice. She specialized in young singers, but in some cases mentored students for many years, giving her last lessons three weeks before she died of complications of lung cancer. Family visitation will be at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's St. from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. A Service will be held at Highland Methodist Church on Ridge Rd, at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem. Condolences may be sent to www.brownwynne.com.