Norma G. Runner

Norma Grace Banks Runner, 93, of Blandinsville, Illinois passed away peacefully at 6:20 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2024 at the Elms Nursing Home in Macomb, Illinois. 
She was born on November 24, 1930 to Harley James Banks and Edith Leone Gordon Banks, she was the youngest of their six children. All the children were born on the Banks family farm in Blandinsville. Her siblings, Wendell Franklin Banks, Donald Edward Banks, Susan Georgianna Banks, Richard Gordon Banks and Marjorie Jane Banks Jones preceded her in death. Norma became the matriarch of the Banks family and even though a small woman, she can get everyone’s attention. She enjoyed finally being the “boss”.
Norma was a 1948 graduate of Blandinsville High School and attended Gem City Business School in Quincy, Illinois. She married her high school sweetheart, Jacob Calvin “Jake” Runner on March 18, 1950. They were happily married for 54 years at the time of his passing in 2004. Together they had five children and were the quintessential farm family. Norma was a dedicated homemaker and mother. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cross-stitch and many craft projects. When their children started leaving home, Norma felt she no longer had enough to do at home so she became a pharmacy tech at Stites Pharmacy in Macomb, Illinois, eventually transferring to McDonough District Hospital Pharmacy. In later life, she learned to make rugs on a loom and shared them with family and friends. She was the casserole queen and made enough applesauce to float a small boat not to mention hundreds of cookies for the farm hands. Her family loved her apple pies as well.
She is survived by her five children, Andrea Leigh Shulthiess (Scott) of Tallahassee, Florida, twins, Jan Christopher Runner (Cindy) of Blandinsville, Illinois and Jay Carlton Runner (Bill Lehman) of Urbana, Illinois, Ronald Banks Runner (Holly) of Sciota, Illinois, and Michael Wayne Runner (Lynda) of Oologah, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Paula Denise Shulthiess, Steven Thomas Shulthiess, Jonathan Carl Shulthiess, Amanda Lea Runner, Harlie Rene Runner-Perry, Hanna Rose Runner, Halie Rena Runner, Blake Michael Runner and Bailie Marie Runner; six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Norma’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Blandinsville United Methodist Church with Pastor Beth Nelson officiating. There will be no visitation.
Memorials may be made to either BGS Veterans Memorial or Blandinsville Fire and Rescue Squad.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Blandinsville is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
 

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