Gertrude “Gertie” Runyan, 86, of rural Falls City, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014 in Falls City.  She was born August 26, 1928 in Sterling, NE to the late Reverend Hans M. and  Anni (Langholz)  Biedenweg. They moved to Glenville, NE, then they later moved to Russell, KS, where at age 13 Gertie taught the first English language Sunday School class in a German Russian Congregation. She continued teaching Sunday School the rest of her life. She graduated from Falls City High School in 1946. She continued her education at Peru State College in the summers of 1946 and 1947after which she graduated and taught at Williamsville School District #23 for three years.

On June 19, 1949 she married Glendonald “Bud” Runyan at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, northeast of Falls City. They established their home east of Barada, where she and Bud farmed. 

She was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  She was very active in teaching Sunday School, confirmation class, Bible School and was Vice-President of WELCA and treasurer of the Church’s Memorial Fund. She assisted with the Williamsville 4-H club. She served on the Barada election board and also on the Cottier School District #21 school board. She co-chaired the Richardson County flower show, was a member of the Treasure Seekers Extension Club for over fifty years and also was a member of the Heritage Club.

Gertie is survived by her husband, Bud, of Falls City, daughter, Roxann (Mark) Stitzer of Salem, son, Don (Becky) Runyan , daughter, Joni (Steve) Milam all of Falls City and daughter Gaye Runyan  of Nebraska City.  Eight grandchildren, Staci (Derek) Deger, Judd (Jamie) Milam, Darcy (Paul) Demmel, Brooke (Brian) Adam, Jace Milam, Andy Runyan, Courtney Ochsner and Maggie Ochsner. Four great-grandchildren, Drake and Gage Deger and Baylee and Brynlee Adam; sister-in-law, Marj Gould and best friend and sister-in-law, Nelle Pfister. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Frieda, brother, Fred, niece and nephew,  Anne Marie and Rick Biedenweg. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 12 miles northeast of Falls City with Pastor John Sipf officiating. Interment will be in the Williamsville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7-8 PM Friday at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.