Arlene Frances (Dempsey) Runyon

Arlene Frances (Dempsey) Runyon, age 81, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 8:58 pm Thursday, March 10, 2022, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, March 14, 2022, at Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Dan Page will officiate. Burial will be in the Vandalia Cemetery following the service.

Visitation celebrating Arlene's life will be held at 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Waters Funeral Home.

Arlene was born on November 18, 1940, in Curryville, Missouri the daughter of Henry and Jane (Dandridge) Gerlach.

She was united in marriage to Herman (H.J.) Joseph Runyon on March 14, 2001 in Mexico, MO. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2011.

She was also preceded in death by her Parents; Son, Michael Eugene Dempsey; and Sister, Betty Maples. 

Survivors include Son, Marty (Lori) Dempsey of Ponca City, OK; Two Step-Sons, F.J. (Karla) Runyon of Defiance, MO, R.J. Runyon of Ohama, AR; Step-Daughter, Lola (Randy) McDonald of Madisonville, MO; Sister, Carol (Bernie) Hicks of Bellingham, WA; Brother, Charles Gerlach of WA; Three Grandsons, Michael (Kara) Dempsey of Wentzville, MO, Keith (Heather) Dempsey of Hallsville, MO, Ryan Dempsey of Ravia, OK; Granddaughter, Erin Dempsey of Broken Arrow, OK. 

Arlene was a member of  Elm Grove Baptist Church and was extremely active in the woman's group at Elm Grove. She loved keeping in touch with her family and friends. She was very active, and enjoyed walking and gardening as her health allowed. 

Pallbearers will be Michael Dempsey, Keith Dempsey, Ryan Dempsey, F.J. Runyon, R.J. Runyon, and Travis Fabricus.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Elm Grove Baptist Church 3858 Pike 32, Curryville, MO 63339, or a place of donors choice, in care of Waters Funeral Home. 

Online condolences may be made to the family on Arlene's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com