Mary Runk

VENICE, FL -- Mary Beth Runk passed away on February 13, 2024. She was born in Lima, Ohio on April 1, 1935, to Dr. D. Wayne and Catherine Myers.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 60 years, Wesley T. Runk and a daughter, Cynthia.

Mary Beth was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Cordrey; her son, David (Beth) Runk, her daughter, Ellen (Jeff) Shockey and her son, Tim (Megan) Runk; grandchildren Joe (Mary) Shockey, Shane (Courtney) Shockey, Jeremy (Jessica) Runk, Daniel (Stephanie) Runk, Aaron (Jessica) Runk, Elijah Runk, Marley Runk, Raina Runk and seven great-grandchildren.

Mary Beth graduated from Lima Shawnee High School and attended Wittenberg College. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA in Education where she also earned her Masters in Education. Following graduation, she taught at Perry Elementary and Allen East Elementary Schools. Upon retirement, she was a founding partner in the Javawocky Emporium, a local coffee shop in Lima. She also assisted in her husband's business, CSS Publishing Company, before moving to Florida with Wesley.

In Venice, Florida, she was very active at Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she and her husband founded Coffee Talk, a ministry for the homeless in the area. She was on the Altar Guild and involved in various other ministry activities.

A memorial service will be held at English Lutheran Church in Bluffton, Ohio on March 23rd. Visitation begins at 2:00 with the service at 3:00. A fellowship meal will follow the service.