Joan Eloise Runyan

Joan Runyan, age 84, of Albia, IA, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, under the care of EveryStep Hospice.

Joan was born on July 22, 1941, in Marshalltown, IA, to John and Eloise (Ryan) Krumm. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Brooklyn High School. She later continued her education by taking Comptometer classes. On December 11, 1960, she was united in marriage to Michael Runyan in Brooklyn, IA, and to this union, 2 children were born: Michael II and Stacie. Joan and Mike were blessed with 65 years of marriage prior to her passing.

In her early career, Joan worked for Standard Oil where she ran a comptometer and managed all of the tank wagons. She later devoted her time to being a homemaker, staying home to raise her children. In 1975, the family moved to Albia, where Joan became the Director of Housing (HUD), a position she held for many years until her retirement.

A woman of strong faith, Joan was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia where she was active in the United Methodist Women's group. She was an extremely talented sewer and knitter and often made her children's clothing. Joan loved spending time outdoors, especially flower gardening and fishing. She was an animal lover of all kinds, but especially of her dogs, cats, and sheep over the years. She cherished traveling with her grandchildren and enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Churchill in Canada. Joan was also deeply involved with the Trap Team, writing numerous grants for the program and helping design and build the shooting range and clubhouse. Above all, Joan loved her family and cherished the time spent with them. She loved attending her grandchildren's events and proudly displayed the numerous poems her grandchildren wrote for her.

Joan is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Michael Runyan II and Stacie (Mike) Gibler; 3 grandchildren, Sara (Morgan) Dowdall, Michael (Emma) Runyan, and Gracie (Jordan) Green; 4 great grandchildren, Fallon and Gibson Runyan and Cooper and Cleo Green; 4 sisters, Anedra (Skeeter) Sherwood, Linda Ryal, Renita (Doug) Meredith, and Deanna Barnes; and a sister-in-law, Marianne Barrett. Joan is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Eloise Krumm; her in-laws, Raymond and Dorothy Runyan; and 3 brothers-in-law, John Ryal, Dean Barrett, and Bob Barnes.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Albia Trinity Church in Albia, IA, with Pastor Neil Montz officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established to the Albia High School Trap Team.