Obituary of Christine Rae Runyon
Christine Rae Swanson was born in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan on December 13, 1946. She was the oldest of three daughters born to the union of Raymond A. Swanson and Verna M. (Hug) Swanson LaFountain. She attended Jefferson High School but earned her GED later in life.
Christine married the love of her life, Charles D. Runyon on August 15, 1975, and together the couple raised their blended family. She loved spending time with family and friends. Many Sunday afternoons were spent poolside at parties where everyone and anyone were invited. These galas often had thirty to forty people in attendance.
Christine and Charles had a wonderful relationship. They traveled extensively throughout the world to Europe, Japan, China, Russia, Australia, and Switzerland to name a few. She also loved to camp in her younger years and no matter what she was doing she was very motherly and grandmotherly oriented. Christine was very generous with her time and treasures. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need or less fortunate than herself. She loved to have a good time. She was extremely social, outgoing, and exuded confidence.
Christine was employed at the Lions Store and then at Homemakers where she worked in the Custom Window Treatment department. She later operated two of her own companies, Christine’s Interiors for ten years and Homes with Flair for eight years, specializing as a Interior Decorator.
Christine Rae Runyon, age 76, of Swanton, Ohio formerly of Monroe passed away at Swanton Valley at 6:45pm on Monday; August 14, 2023 after a sixteen-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Charles Runyon on January 4, 2016; a sister: Gail Ann Swanson in 2002; a daughter: Melissa Matte on August 11, 2018; and a son: Richard Duvall on March 17, 2008.
To cherish her memory she leaves four children: David Runyon of Monroe, Raymond (Julie) Swanson of Monroe, Daniel (Rebecca) Runyon of Monroe, and Robin (Douglas) Benore of Monroe; a son-in-law: Lonnie Matte of Amhertsburg, Ontario, Canada; thirteen grandchildren: Erelene (Luther) Farris, David Runyon (Kassandra Salyer), Joshua Swanson, Jessica Swanson, Brooke Broccoli, Stephanie (Trevor) Unsworth, Derrick Runyon, Blake Runyon, Brent (Amber) Thomas, Samantha Simon, Nathan Simon, Lonnie Matte, Hayli Benore (Walter Carter Jr.); many, many great grandchildren; and a sister: Linda Welch of Monroe, Michigan.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:30pm on Friday; August 18, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 7:30pm with Denise Tucker officiating. Cremation will follow through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation in Erie, Michigan.
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