Frances Lorene Runge

Frances Lorene Runge, 85, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Primrose Retirement Community of Sedalia. She was born on May 20, 1938, in Houstonia, MO, the daughter of Frank Humphrey Norfleet and Myrtle Hannah (Ringen) Norfleet, who preceded her in death.

On June 11, 1955, in Houstonia, MO, she was united in marriage to Harry Joe Runge, who preceded her in death on July 4, 2017.

Frances graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a B.S. in Education, along with a M.S. in Education. She began her teaching career in Otterville School District. After two years there, she was given the opportunity to teach for the Sedalia 200 School District, where she taught six years at the middle school and twenty-five years in the elementary schools: Parkview, Whittier, Washington, Horace Mann, and Jefferson. She would tell you that reading is the basis for everything, and she enjoyed helping and watching her students improve their reading skills. In 2002, she retired after 28 years as a Reading Specialist.
Frances was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sedalia, United Methodist Women, Missouri State Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Kappa Delta Phi Society in Education, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, and a member of Sedalia Moose Lodge Chapter #1242.

Frances loved reading, quilting, playing cards and bingo, having lunch with friends, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters: Lynn Reid and her husband, Harlan of Sweet Springs; Lisa Thompson of Hughesville; Angela Pollitt and Frank Carrasco of Hughesville; Eight grandchildren: Lori (Jason), Leah, Sarah (Courtney), Charli Jo (Jamin), Taylor (Bo), Chase (Jessi), Haley (Brad), and Taggert; nine great-grandchildren: Carson, Joanna, Abigail, Keelee, Harper, Kentli Jo, Adelise, Tessa, and Hilton; a brother, Dale Norfleet and his wife, Dorothy of Houstonia; a brother-in-law, Jon David Runge and his wife Wilma of Hughesville; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Brent Norfleet Runge, and grandson-in-law, Trenton Rhea.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church Thompson location, with Pastor Candace Fowler officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

The burial will be at Mt. Herman Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Chase Pollitt, Taggart Pollitt, Benjamin Darbyshire, Robert (Bo) Maze, Jason Price, and Brad Ryan.

Honorary bearers will be Cliff and Cheryl McBride, Charlotte Harter, and Martha Briscoe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Mt. Herman Cemetery Association in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.