Marcia Jean Runyon
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Marcia's obituary
Marcia Jean Minks Stevens Runyon, age 87, a beloved Austin resident of nearly 60 years, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Georgetown, Texas, surrounded by her close family.
Born on October 28, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Marcia was the daughter of Eugene and Margaret Minks. Later she was joined by her half-sister, Vickie Stevens McBee, and her adopted sister, Lois Rose, both of whom preceded her in death.
Marcia spent her early years in Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. She loved reading and cheering for Kentucky basketball. A dedicated student, she went on to attend St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Lexington, Kentucky. During her time there she accompanied a friend on a double date in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she met the love of her life, C. Larry Runyon. Despite school rules prohibiting marriage, Marcia and Larry eloped to Indiana and married on September 14, 1957. They soon began their family, welcoming their first son, Stephen, in November 1958. Their family grew to include a daughter, Lisa, and a second son, Daniel.
The couple spent their early years in Lexington, surrounded by Larry’s extended family. Marcia graduated from nursing school in January 1960, as Larry was embarking on a promising career with IBM. In 1968, Larry accepted a transfer to IBM's North Austin facility, and the family relocated to Texas. Austin was still a small, growing city at the time – Marcia would recall when Burnet Road and Highway 183 met at a simple stop sign. They built a home in a then-remote new neighborhood called Angus Valley.
In 1975, another IBM promotion led the family to Boca Raton, Florida. Just one year later, yet another opportunity with IBM brought them back to Austin – this time settling near Parmer and North Lamar. Marcia resumed her career in nursing, eventually working at Shoal Creek Hospital.
In 1986, Larry was offered an international role with IBM Asia Pacific in Tokyo, Japan. Though hesitant at first, Marcia embraced the adventure, and the couple spent four cherished years in Tokyo, traveling throughout Asia and beyond. Their time abroad was one of the highlights of their 62-year marriage. They returned to Austin in late 1989 and decorated their home with treasures from their travels. Marcia had a natural eye for creating a warm, welcoming space for her family.
Marcia was a proud and devoted grandmother. Her five grandchildren – David, Katherine, John, Craig, and Peyton – were the lights of her life. She was especially thrilled to welcome her first great-grandchild, Rose Runyon, daughter of John and his wife Cyn. “Mimi” and “Rosie” shared a very special bond, and Marcia was able to see her great-granddaughter just weeks before her passing.
In 2018, Marcia and Larry moved into Buckner Villas Retirement Community. Shortly thereafter they welcomed a compassionate caregiver, Carmen Fanely, into their lives. Carmen became like a daughter to Marcia, caring for both her and Larry with love and fierce dedication. After Larry’s passing in February 2020 – just before the COVID-19 pandemic – Carmen continued to care for Marcia, remaining her constant and devoted companion for her remaining years.
In 2022, Marcia and Carmen moved to Georgetown to live with her son Danny. Marcia’s final years were filled with family, love, and quiet joy. In January 2025, she suffered a stroke and, after a short rehabilitation stay, returned home under Hospice care. She passed away a few weeks later, comforted by the presence of those who loved her most.
Marcia was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Carringer and father, Eugene Minks; her beloved husband, Larry Runyon; her sisters, Vickie McBee and Lois Rose; and her eldest son, Steve Runyon.
She is survived by her children, Danny Runyon (and partner Kim Zuk) and Lisa Meacham (and husband Mike); daughter-in-law Sue Runyon; grandchildren David Runyon, Katherine Runyon, John Runyon (and wife Cyn), Craig Runyon (and wife Madelyn), and Peyton Runyon; and great-granddaughter Rose Runyon. She also leaves behind nieces Kim Ward and Julie Fritts, and grandniece Emery Ward and grandnephew Chad Corn.
Marcia will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and humor. She was a gentle soul who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Her home was always open, her hugs always healing, and her spirit deeply treasured.
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