Florence "Babe" Vivian Runyon

Florence Vivian “Babe” Runyon, 95 years old, passed away June 22, 2019 at Colonial Manor Nursing Home, Columbus Junction, Iowa, where she had resided for the past seven years.  She was born October 12, 1923 to James and Lillie (Bailey) Stacey in Olney, Il.  She married Maurice Runyon, December 22, 1941.  He preceded her in death on July 30, 1998.  They were married 56 years.  Together they lived in Illinois, Iowa, Arizona and Florida.  However, most of their married life they lived in Streator, Illinois and Columbus Junction, Iowa. Prior to moving into Colonial Manor, Babe lived in Streator for 16 years.

Babe was known for having beautiful flower gardens and making amazing quilts for her family.  Her other hobbies included sewing, reading, tole painting, knitting and crocheting.  Babe held a variety of jobs including being a seamstress for Walt Disney World in Florida during their retirement years.  She also owned her own yarn shop and sold Avon.

Babe loved spending time with all of her family.  She will be dearly missed by her three children:  Larry Runyon, Streator Il; Linda Cook, Bowen Il; Cindy Baker, Columbus Junction, Ia; 10 grandchildren: Beth (Runyon) Lessen, Brian Runyon, Mendy (Runyon) Kochis, Tara (Runyon) Longmire, Krista (Runyon) Luckey; Chris Cook; Deanna (Cook) Printy, Mike Cook; Wendy (Deese) Deaton, Alex Baker; 22 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and one due in September; one brother Carl (Mary Lee) Stacey, Calvert City, Kentucky; one sister in-law, Helen Stacey, Niantic, Il; and nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, three sister-in-laws, one brother-in law, one daughter-in-law, one son-in law and three nephews.