Dorothy Rose (Straw) Runda, 97, of Lafayette, passed away at Monday, March 18, 2024, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East.
She was born May 9, 1926, in Lafayette, to the late William Everett and Bessie (Dexter) Straw. She was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and worked as both a self-employed Commercial Artist and for Haywood Publishing. Dorothy married Charles Richard Runda on June 20, 1959, in Lafayette. The couple were married over 51 years when Charles passed away on June 13, 2011.
Dorothy was an excellent cook who loved serving and helping others. She loved to have fun and laugh. She was always upbeat and had an amazing positive attitude about everything life offered her. She was strong in her faith and Loved the Lord. She most recently attended East Side Assembly. Dorothy was a member of The Ambassadors singing Group. Above all, Dorothy loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was the greatest grandma, always playing games, running around, and having fun with her grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by her 3 sons, Mark (Victoria) Runda, Brad (Tracie) Runda, both of Lafayette, and Todd (Gloria) Runda, of Seville, Spain; step-son, Mike (Cheryl) Runda of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Harriet Straw and Florence (Delhmer) Furman.
Along with her husband, Charles Runda and her parents, William Everett and Bessie Straw; she was preceded in death by her 4 siblings, Nellie (Donald) Hockema, Betty (Paul) Coudin, Ellen (Ellis) Kaufman, and Everett (Oleta) Straw.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am, Friday, March 22, 2024, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909 with Pastor Tom Camp officiating.
Interment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906.