Mary Edgerton Runyard

RUNYARD, Mary Goold Edgerton, 87, died June 1, 2013. Born September 30, 1925 in Ashland, WI, she graduated Ashland High School, Class of 1943. Although, she played the cello in the high school orchestra, her musical talents included the violin and the piano. For Mary, education was a life long process. She had worked in various positions in the medical field for many years, but returned to school to get her LPN degree at age 60. On April 2, 1944, she married Clarence A. Runyard and moved to his family farm in Salem Township, WI upon his release from the US Army Air Corps in 1945. In 1948, they moved to Chicago, IL where they raised five daughters. Frequently visiting and part-time Florida residents for many years, they moved to St. Petersburg in 2005. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed family and friends getting together, visiting and feeding them. In recent years, she became an avid fan of the Food Network, expanding her creativity in food preparation. She was a talented arts and crafts person, sewing clothes for her daughters (and their dolls), knitting and crocheting sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves and afghans for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ceramics were also a passion. Part of her legacy are the many beautiful items she hand-made for her family. She loved to garden, creating lovely, lush yards wherever she lived. She was politically aware and always voted in every election. She supported several organizations to preserve our natural resources, (she recycled almost everything) the Diabetes Association Tour de Cure, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and several local food ministries for the homeless. She was an enthusiastic baseball fan, both the Chicago teams and the Rays. She traveled across the country to see a grandson, who played for several minor league teams associated with Brewers. Her favorite place in the world was DISNEY WORLD, namely It's A Small World. About 40 members of her family celebrated her 75th birthday there. She and Mickey were the same age. She will be sorely missed by the loving family that she leaves. Visitation will be held at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 7820 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 PM, followed by a memorial service.