Coffee with "D"

I just had to share that this morning was my first cup of coffee with "D".

The day after Grandma's memorial the family went to her apartment and "cleaned house." We got things ready for a sale, took some furniture for a garage sale in Mark & Jill's neighborhood and even grabbed collectables and memorable items to take home with us. We left that day with three bags full of books, kitchen utensils, jewelry, tools, etc. One of the most precious items that I brought home with me was Grandma's china coffee cup with the letter D on it. (I think the cup will now be named, affectionately, "D") So finally, after about a weeks wait, I drank my morning cup of coffee out of it today. It was quite a neat experience.

I sat there thinking about all of the times Grandma shared coffee with a friend or family member while drinking from that cup and how she always made her guests feel welcome.

I thought about all of the prayers that Grandma must have prayed over the years while drinking from that cup.

I thought "how amazingly clean is this cup." :-)

I simply enjoyed the morning, sat in peace, prayed and imagined Grandma doing the same day after day after day for a really long time.

Thinking of you Grandma. Looking forward to a lot more coffee with "D".

-dp-

Ode to Dorothy

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it",
Was Dorothy's favorite quote.
Sadly in the end,
Whatever it was,
Couldn't get fixed.

I met Dorothy two years ago
When she moved into her apartment home at Willow Wood.
We quickly established a casual acquaintance
Which developed into a comfortable relationship.
She became my good friend,
My companion, my sister.
We were different in many ways,
And didn't always agree on everything,
But that gave our relationship
Color and texture.
Dorothy communicated well
With the residents where she lived
- Always gracious -
With a kind word for everyone.

Dorothy was proud of her German Heritage,
Devoutly religious,
And lovingly dedicated to family.
She was intelligent, articulate,
And faced life
With an inspiring sense of humor.
Dorothy would like memories of her
To be happy ones.
She'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles.
She'd like to leave an echo,
Whispering of happy times,
And of bright and sunny days.
She'd like the tears of those who grieve
To dry in the warmth of happy memories
That she now leaves behind
- when day is done.

I will miss you Dorothy,
And I thank God for the brief interlude
Whereby you enriched my life with your love.

Marguerite Hogan
Spoken at the Memorial Service

Dorothy was a shining star !

One day when Dorothy first moved to Willowood, I was coming down the hall towards her and she said "You look pretty down today, why the long face?" Not wanting to bore her with my problems, I said "Just a bad day, Dorothy." She then grabbed my hand and invited me in to pray with her. It was so inspiring and made me smile. I will never forget her kindness, laugh or that beautiful smile! Your mom was a blessing and will truly be missed. May your memories guide you through your sorrow.

Venessa Myhre
Home health aide at Willow Woods Apartment

To the family of Dorothy

When I first met Dorothy, Dory, Cindy & Debby, my first thought was, "WOW - this family reminds me of sunshine." Warm, bright and alive! After I got to know Dorothy, I realized that this sunshine was the Holy Spirit active and alive in her life. I only knew Dorothy for 2 1/2 short years but those years were rich in scripture education (Dorothy educating me , of course), many welcomed visits to my office and lots of laughs shared together. On many days I would feel energized after visiting with Dorothy. She really did leave the "sweet aroma of Christ" after she left my office. I will remember Dorothy as a true servant of our Lord and as someone who taught me to "boldly proclaim the word of God". I will miss Dorothy immensely. "Well done good and faithful servant."

Amy Neibauer
Manager of Willow Woods Apartment

Sent on day of Memorial from Mike & Mona Shields

Dear Dory, Cindy, Debby, and family,

Our hearts go out to you today as you gather with dear friends and family to commemorate the life of you mother, grandma, a loved mother-in-law, and our great friend. In these times we're sure you've been filled with many emotions along with a sense of gratitude that the journey for Dorothy is complete. As you join together today with those who love you there are many more who wish they could be there to support you in this time of sorrow.

Twenty-five years ago your mother was separated from you dad when he went to be with the Lord. She will always be a shining example to everyone of how productive, meaningful and active a life can be despite loss. Her work as a MAPS vounteer put her on the forefront of service to others. Her enthusiasm was contagious! Her wholehearted laugh, her pretty gray hair, her carefulness in projecting good taste and style inspire all of us to press on toward the mark of the high calling of God. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race. She did it with class.

May the assurance of a job well done for the Master fill your hearts with peace and joy even in this hour of your profound loss. Your mom is now safely on the other side. She is standing with your dad among a cloud of witnesses enthusiastically awaiting our arrival when the trumpet sounds and the Lord descends.


"May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you: the Lord turn his face toward you... and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Mike and Mona Shields
Missionary Evangelists to Latin America
From Jalapa, Mexico

Dorothy Runyan

So sorry about our loss, but our loss is heavens gain. I lost a wonderful friend. We had a wonderful neighborly relationship, and I'm so glad I had the priviledge of knowing her, even if only for a short time. Dorothy truly loved God. She surely set a high standard for those who knew her to measure up to. Since she and I have left the park I have thought of her often. I will always cherish fond memories.
Glen Harper (Neighbor across the street in Arizona)

Dorothy

We had been talking about Dorothy on the day she died. Isn't that interesting? Alan and her always had a running debeate about politics. He was wondering what she would have thought about the McCain and Kennedy partnership. She did not like the Kennedys and she loved McCain. He teased her and she teased him about the state of the nation. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She will be remembered fondly.

Your friends, Alan & Janet (lived in a 5th wheeler next to mom in Phoenix)

Remembering Grandma

I first got acquainted with Dorothy when I was a cook at AIC. She always thanked us for the meal. She always remembered each of the cooks at Christmas with a small gift. Then we discovered we both liked to play Scrabble. At our weekly game, I discovered a true friend. Our goal was not to "beat" each other, but to learn new words and increase our combined score. Dorothy kept track of our highest scores in the lid of the game box. After the game we always enjoyed conversation and maybe a snack. No one has repleaced her in my life and I will always remember her friendship.

Alice Martin

Dear Family of Dorothy

John and I are greatly saddened to hear of the death of you mother. She was a wonderful Christian lady.
We became friends at the same time we became friends of Joe and Betty Hanna, meeting each at the Phoenix 1st Assembly church in Arizona.
Your mother was a great mentor to us as were the Hanna's. We met in 1994 not long after our son was killed.
We looked forward to sitting in the same place at church each Sudnay. Several times we all would go to dinner after church and have a good time. We have many fond memories of your mother and loved her.
John and I missed you mother very much after she moved back to Minnesota to live close to her family.
We will always remember her vast knowledge of the Bible. A fond memory is the Sunday she quickly went to the Sunday School teacher after the class closed and informed him the verse he was quoting was not correct and proceeded to tell him what was. Do you suppose she is critiquing the angels in Heaven?
You each are in our thoughts and Prayers.
May God give you much strength and comfort.
Sincerely, John & Melva Bruder

Dorothy Runyan Memorial

Dear family,
President Jim Comer is out of town but asked me to send this to you and to express our prayers for you.

We love your mother and remember so many things that she said and did for American Indian College. Dorothy came to minister at AIC for about 17 years. She was willing (and capable) to do anything she was asked to do. This included tutoring in the Foundation Studies Department (now the Learning Resource Department), cleaning and a host of other things.

Dorothy loved the students, faculty, and staff; and I believe I can safely say that they loved her.

I personally remember a group of ladies at the college went to Luby's and surprised her for her 80th birthday. What a wonderful time we had.

Once again, let me express our sadness at the loss of your mother, but rejoice in her Homegoing.

Jim Comer, President and the American Indian College Family written by Nadine Waldrop

Dorothy's passing

I have just learned of Dorothy's passing. Please know that she had played a critical role in the spiritual and leadership development of my life. During the time I seved as president of AIC, Dorothy would always greet me with a smile. She called me her "second to none". I'll never forget that. Cheri and I are saddened by her loss, but gladdened by the knowledge that she is now in the eternal presence of the Lord and Savior. Though we have had no contact with her recently, Dorothy was one of those choice persons in my life that was very important to me at the time and I will never forget her smile, her dedication to the Lord, and her willingness to do whatever was asked of her. In my book she is truly a hero of the faith.

Dave Moore

So Long to A "Special" Sister --

I shall miss my twin sister who was always loved by me. She gave me love, helpful suggestions and sympathy whenever I needed it.

We weren't identical, but often thought alike. She always did every thing FIRST, and now she will see our Maker first ! She will no longer have to be sick or suffer pain, or sorrow, Great !

Blessed memories !
Love,
Your twin, Doris (Polly)

"Your Beautiful Mom"

This is amazing news. We had no idea Dorothy was struggling. Our hearts go out to you. We thank the Lord for the beautiful timing of your Mom's homegoing. It's a wonderful thing to see how God let her enter Heaven on her anniversary.

We remember so well you dad, walking into the lobby at Summit on a Sunday morning. He looked tall and sharp in a dark blue suit, white shirt and tie. He walked with such a confident gait, you pretty mom by his side. Now, they're together again, chatting excitedly with Rhoda Menken, Dan Satterberg, Don Heir, Ron Hansel and so many others we love who have gone to be with the Lord in the recent past. We have this blessed Hope that is a treasure in our hearts as we contemplate a future without you mom.

May Jesus give you the strength and encouragement you will need as you ready yourself to be with so many, many friends and a lot of family. Let the love and joy of Jesus shine through, but don't try to hold up and be brave if you need to let tears flow. She will be dearly missed...until that day..."When We All Get to Heaven !"

How we wish we could be with you , but our campaign in Xalapa, Mexico starts the Saturday. Know we will be there in our hearts with you.

You are so loved. Jesus will be near.

Mike & Mona Shields (Missionaries to Argentina)

Loving words from Donna & Ez

My dear friend Dorothy, a classy lady that touched my life with her love. My memories of our time together continue to warm my heart.
I met Dorothy 8 years ago when I went to teach at American Indian College in Phoenix. From our first meeting I knew I had found a kindred spirit and a special friend. There are may qualities that come to mind which I loved about Dorothy - her warm genuine laugh; her kind servant heart; her practical and definite opinions; her sense of justice & fairness; her ability to evalutate a situation and love inspite of right or wrong; her classy attitude about herself & life; her very generous sharing of herself & substance; her contentment with life's situations; her love for people and her devotion & love for her Lord. I know I could go on, but suffice to say my life was truly enriched & blessed by knowing her. Thank you Lord for allowing our paths to cross and spend time together. In loving memory, Donna

Dorothy was my good buddy. She was so encouraging when I came to AIC. She was my protector and saw to it I was well taken care of. Every Sunday after church we went our to eat and she told Donna and me not to have coffee because she wanted us to have "a good cup of coffee" at her place, of course, with a sweet treat - usually my favorite Sneaker Snakes.
She loved my Ole & Lena jokes and no one had a hardier laugh than she. She was quick witted with a wonderful sense of humor. Dorothy was a woman of God and gave excellent biblical counsel. What a class act in every way.
She was old enough to be my mother and young enough to be a best buddy, I wanted to see her one more time on this eath, but I'm so grateful we will be together again with Jesus.
In loving memory, Ez

A word from Elnora Dresselhaus

Your mom was a unique lady. She made our children feel so special.

Excepts from a memorial sent by Betty Hanna

To those that Dorothy loved;
Dorothy was my friend for over 21 years. She spent 17 years at American Indian College. Dorothy was always ready to help a student. She was very strict but students came away from her tutoring understanding math and correct writing. While she lived on campus students often went down to her motorhome and talked to her and enjoyed carmel popcorn. Today at AIC, there is an outdoors seating area where students can gather to eat, talk, and relax. The plaque reads "In honor of Dorothy Runyan".
She became a part of our family. Most Sundays, Dorothy, Joe (my husband), and myself enjoyed going to Monti's. Those were days of wonderful fellowship. When my daughter and son-in-law adopted Paul, Dorothy was a second Grandma. She attended every birthday celebration from one to fifteen. She always gave him a silver dollar for each year. He still has them. On Christmas, she was again a part of our family. Then on March 11, 2001, Joe went home to be with the Lord. She was again my friend who understood how hard it was to be alone without my partner.
The tales of Dorothy and her cleaning cloth are endless. AIC has never been as clean as it was after Dorothy arrived. We would tease her about "giving the white glove test".
Her legacy will live on at AIC. She was truly and example of excellence in ministry and in service to others.
"Welcome Home Dorothy, well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord"

Grandma was an intensely precious person and it meant a great deal to have her at our wedding. Lindsey and I are thinking of her dearly and send out love.  

Memorial/Celebration

There will be a memorial held for Grandma on Thursday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m.

It will take place at:
Emmanuel Christian Center
7777 University Ave. NE
Spring Lake Park, MN
(enter at door #4)

There will be a dinner at 5:00 p.m. preceding the service.

It has been requested that any memorial donations be made to the
American Indian College of the A/G, 10020 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021.