Earnest E. Runyan, Sr.

Earnest E. “Earnie” Runyan, Sr., 70 of 113 Alpine Road, St. Marys, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 5, 1951, in Ridgway, son of the late Elyfus and Ruby Teeter Runyan.  Earnie was raised in Brockway and made Elk County his home when he moved here in 1985.  He worked for C/G Electrodes for 30 years and drove a truck for MIF Trucking for fourteen years.

On January 26, 1980, in Earnie’s farmhouse in Brockway, he married Susan I. Gadley, who survives.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Heather Harlan (Ed) of Ridgway; two sons: Shawn Rockwell of New Bethlehem and Earnest E. Runyan, Jr. (Alesa) of St. Marys; his seven grandchildren; by his siblings: Doris Green (Kenneth), Martha Runyan, Alice Weichler, Thomas Runyan (Jackie), Frank Runyan, and Everitt Runyan (Alice “Porky”); and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Earnie was preceded in death by three sisters: Viola Williams, Elizabeth Hoffman, and Rita Stauffer.

Earnie loved life.  He was always happy and a fun person to be around.  He was an incredible storyteller and would always find a way to make someone’s day a bit brighter.  He liked to hunt and fish and had a true appreciation for nature.  Above all else, Earnie cherished his wife and his family, he loved them so much.

A funeral service will be held at the Elk Baptist Church at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 3, 2022, with Pastor Barry Moyer officiating. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until time of service at the Elk Baptist Church on February 3, 2022.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.