Donna Fern (Kellenbenz) Runyan

Donna was a generous and kind teacher and person, and was active in teacher organizations at the local and state levels. She was a PERA ambassador. She taught elementary school at Adams County School District 1 for 35 years.  Her favorite hobbies included reading and playing bridge. She was active in C. A. R. E. (Colorado Association of Retired Educators). 

She was born at St. Anthony’s in Denver, then her parents moved her immediately to Walden, CO. She graduated from Wray High School in 1960. Donna completed two years at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln and received her BA at the University of Northern Colorado in 1964. She received her MA at the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy Kellenbenz; her brother, John Arthur Kellenbenz; and her son, Adam George Runyan. She is survived by her husband, Geoffrey Runyan (married 50 years); daughter, Wendy McSwain; stepson, Ross (Christy) Lawson; grandsons Cody and Ryan McSwain; granddaughter Lexi Runyan, great-granddaughter Megan McSwain; and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. We will remember her as a giving and selfless wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, 10250 Grant St., Thornton, CO 80229, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Heritage Funeral & Cremation Services of Lafayette is handling cremation arrangements.

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