So sorry to hear that Mrs Runge has passed, known her over 45 years, she was a good teacher, and a Coaches Wife,Mr.Runge Coached my Khoury League team for many years, and we remained friends for many years following, Prayers for you all, God Bless you all
Sharon Kay Runge

RUNGE
Sharon Kay Runge, 80, of Sparta, IL; born on August 24, 1942 in Sparta, IL the daughter of LaVerne and Marjorie (McDaniel) McConachie; passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.
Sharon was a fifth grade science teacher at Sparta Lincoln Middle School for 30 of the 35 years she taught. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Virgil. Sharon loved and gave all of her support to her children and grandchildren, they meant the world to her. She was a kind-hearted and caring person that always had a smile on her face. There was no stranger to Sharon, and she made a positive impact to all of those she encountered.
She is survived by her loving husband – Virgil Runge of Sparta, IL to whom she married on July 17, 1964 at the First United Methodist Church of Sparta; one son – Bradley (Kathy) Runge of LaVergne, TN; one daughter – Jana (Bill) Fett of Marissa, IL; three grandchildren – Brett (Jorge) Runge of St. Louis, MO, Robert Fett of Auburn, AL, and Alaina Fett of Eden, IL; one sister – Glenda (Keith) Chenault of Swansea, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; infant twin grandsons – Daniel and David Fett; niece – Kimberly Runge; brother-in-law – Leonard Runge; father-in-law – Roy Runge; mother-in-law – Velma Runge.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church for the Sharon Runge Education Memorial Fund.
The Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Sparta, IL on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Randy McGeehon officiating. Committal Services will take place at New Palestine Cemetery in Walsh, IL.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements
32 Comments
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Perry Brooks on 04/15/2023 at 11:21 pm
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Denise Ebers on 04/16/2023 at 12:02 am
Gary and I are so sorry to hear about Sharon. Virgil and her children, grandchildren, and all of her family have our deepest sympathy.
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Paulette Ashbrook on 04/16/2023 at 1:18 am
Virgil, Brad , Jana and family,
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So sorry to hear this! She was an amazing teacher and person. We enjoyed having teaching in the same hallway for many years. She subbed for me when I had surgery and was so meticulous and caring!
We are praying for comfort for all of you. Sincerely, Alan and Paulette Ashbrook
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Carol Malott on 04/15/2023 at 11:37 pm
So very sorry for your loss.
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Condolences and prayers to the family -
LaDonna Laramore on 04/16/2023 at 12:11 am
I’m so very sorry to hear of Mrs Runge’s passing, she was my teacher in grade school and left a lifetime impact on me, we then became neighbors and she loved watching our grandson play, always had a special treat for him..she will be missed!
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Bridget Oliver on 04/16/2023 at 1:01 am
So So Sorry For The Families Loss. Sharon Was A Loving Woman Who Was Happy And Very Caring. She Will Definitely Be Missed. Condolences To Her Family And Friends!!!🙏🏼🥰
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Sharon Young on 04/16/2023 at 7:31 am
I’m so sorry,what a kind lady.My children had her as their teacher,she loved her job…God Bless
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Barbara Macri on 04/16/2023 at 5:24 am
Please accept my sincere condolences.
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Pam Williamson on 04/16/2023 at 7:38 pm
My prayers to Jana and the entire Runge family. She was one of the best teachers and I have wonderful memories.
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Randy Russell on 04/16/2023 at 7:31 am
Sorry to hear Sharon passed away, She was a cousin, a friend, gonna missed seeing her. Prayers to Virgil, Jana, Brad and family.
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Linda and Larry Henderson on 04/16/2023 at 7:47 am
She was my neighbor many years ago. I loved her parents and sister. Sharon was a beautiful and caring person. She will be missed. My prayers go out to Virgil and her family.
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Cindy Sickmeyer on 04/16/2023 at 8:57 am
There are no words to describe the beautiful soul that Sharon was. She touched so many lives through school, church and family with kind words and deeds! Such an inspiration to others!
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Jane Bowlby on 04/16/2023 at 9:18 am
I’m sorry to hear this. She was very kind and always spoke to everyone. She was a great teacher.
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Prayers to the family-
Roger and Sandra Massie on 04/16/2023 at 2:20 pm
Sharon was such a loving, caring person that showed her faith in her actions. She will be missed by all of us. Our prayers for comfort to Virgil and family.
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Ken & Vicky Gilmore on 04/16/2023 at 9:29 am
So sorry to hear—Sharon was always so kind & caring. It was a pleasure to work with her. Our sincere condolences to Virgil & her family.
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Patty Caupert on 04/16/2023 at 10:35 am
Sharon and I were classmates (class of 1960). She was friendly, sweet, and nice to everyone. I will miss her.
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Lindsay Mitchell on 04/16/2023 at 10:51 am
My most heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mrs. Runge. She was a wonderful teacher and a kind and caring person. She will be greatly missed.
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Larry McGuire on 04/16/2023 at 10:59 am
My most heartfelt sympathies for Virgil and his family. I know that you have many fine and wonderful memories that will comfort in your time of sorrow.
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Terry & Jenna Lambeth on 04/16/2023 at 1:26 pm
I’m saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing…she was a sweetheart! An exemplary teacher, kind & patient to every child.
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She is walking the streets of gold, with Jesus, singing his praises, no doubt at all!
Praying the comfort & peace of the Holy Spirit abides with all the family.
Hold to the sweet memories!💕 -
Christine Thomas Kowalenko on 04/16/2023 at 1:31 pm
Sorry to hear this! A great teacher who taught me so much.
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Arlene & Ken on 04/16/2023 at 3:03 pm
Ken & I are so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. She was a very dear friend & one I could always depend on for help with all of our class reunions. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with Virgil and all the family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Curt and Sharon Graham Hays on 04/16/2023 at 4:00 pm
Curt and I are so sorry to hear of Sharon’s sudden passing. She was such a kind, loving, and cheerful lady. We were classmates of hers (Sparta HS, 1960) and enjoyed every reunion she helped plan over the 60 plus years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Virgil and family members. May God continue to grant you His peace and comfort.
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Gail Brazle on 04/16/2023 at 3:20 pm
Virgil, Brad, and Jana, I pray that you will be comforted at this sad time with the knowledge of how many people cared for Sharon and how many lives she touched in a positive way. As a fellow teacher, I know what an inspiration she was to so many children. On a more personal note, I always appreciated her warmth and being able to share stories about our children and grandchildren. She was loved by many and will be missed.
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Natalie Long on 04/16/2023 at 7:19 pm
Mrs. Runge was one of my favorite teachers and a great person. May God hold her family and friends close at this time.
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Condolences to all. -
Kathleen Dwyer on 04/16/2023 at 8:32 pm
We are so very sad about hearing of Sharon’s passing. A special lady, we will be miss her.
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May God grant you comfort.
Steve and Kathleen Dwyer -
Joann. Wilson on 04/16/2023 at 9:02 pm
Sympathy to the Runge family. Sharon was a kind lady that never met a stranger. She made everyone feel special even when she wasn’t feeling good. She ask about her students and generally cared about people. She will be missed
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Mary Pat Weaver on 04/17/2023 at 9:04 am
We are so sorry to hear about this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love,
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Steve, MaryPat Weaver and Family -
Laurie Rudloff Shain on 04/17/2023 at 11:54 am
What a wonderful example of kindness she was. Always made me smile to talk with her…she was truly a blessing to many. Thanks to her family for sharing her with so many of us….
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Vanessa Blount Tinsley on 04/17/2023 at 6:43 pm
My Condolences to the family of Mrs. Runge. Such a sweet kind soul who was always so kind and sweet. I will always remember her as the candy lady on Halloween who always made her students feel special with a special treat for those who visited her home. Thanks you for always smiling and making the world a better place❤️
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Bob and Beryle Ethington on 04/19/2023 at 9:56 pm
We are saddened by the loss of a friendly, compassionate lady. May God give you, Virgil, and your family, comfort and peace. She will be so missed.
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Gail Soderlund on 04/21/2023 at 9:34 am
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Sharon was such a lovely soul. God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
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Linda Boston on 04/29/2023 at 10:39 am
To the family of Sharon Runge. She was the sweetest, kind, loving and caring friend anyone could ever have. She always ask me when I was in Sparta for a visit how I liked living in Quincy. I told her it was the thing I could have ever done! Just a Beautiful Spirit inside and out! I’m very honored to have known Sharon for many years. Thank you Sharon for our Lovely friendship. I will miss your beautiful smile. God Bless you my beautiful friend. 🩷
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Sincerely,
Linda Boston
Quincy, IL
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To the family of Sharon Runge. She was the sweetest, kind, loving and caring friend anyone could ever have. She always ask me when I was in Sparta for a visit how I liked living in Quincy. I told her it was the thing I could have ever done! Just a Beautiful Spirit inside and out! I’m very honored to have known Sharon for many years. Thank you Sharon for our Lovely friendship. I will miss your beautiful smile. God Bless you my beautiful friend. 🩷
Sincerely,
Linda Boston
Quincy, IL
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Sharon was such a lovely soul. God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
We are saddened by the loss of a friendly, compassionate lady. May God give you, Virgil, and your family, comfort and peace. She will be so missed.
My Condolences to the family of Mrs. Runge. Such a sweet kind soul who was always so kind and sweet. I will always remember her as the candy lady on Halloween who always made her students feel special with a special treat for those who visited her home. Thanks you for always smiling and making the world a better place❤️
What a wonderful example of kindness she was. Always made me smile to talk with her…she was truly a blessing to many. Thanks to her family for sharing her with so many of us….
We are so sorry to hear about this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love,
Steve, MaryPat Weaver and Family
Sympathy to the Runge family. Sharon was a kind lady that never met a stranger. She made everyone feel special even when she wasn’t feeling good. She ask about her students and generally cared about people. She will be missed
We are so very sad about hearing of Sharon’s passing. A special lady, we will be miss her.
May God grant you comfort.
Steve and Kathleen Dwyer
Mrs. Runge was one of my favorite teachers and a great person. May God hold her family and friends close at this time.
Condolences to all.
Virgil, Brad, and Jana, I pray that you will be comforted at this sad time with the knowledge of how many people cared for Sharon and how many lives she touched in a positive way. As a fellow teacher, I know what an inspiration she was to so many children. On a more personal note, I always appreciated her warmth and being able to share stories about our children and grandchildren. She was loved by many and will be missed.
Ken & I are so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. She was a very dear friend & one I could always depend on for help with all of our class reunions. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with Virgil and all the family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Curt and I are so sorry to hear of Sharon’s sudden passing. She was such a kind, loving, and cheerful lady. We were classmates of hers (Sparta HS, 1960) and enjoyed every reunion she helped plan over the 60 plus years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Virgil and family members. May God continue to grant you His peace and comfort.
Sorry to hear this! A great teacher who taught me so much.
I’m saddened to hear of Sharon’s passing…she was a sweetheart! An exemplary teacher, kind & patient to every child.
She is walking the streets of gold, with Jesus, singing his praises, no doubt at all!
Praying the comfort & peace of the Holy Spirit abides with all the family.
Hold to the sweet memories!💕
My most heartfelt sympathies for Virgil and his family. I know that you have many fine and wonderful memories that will comfort in your time of sorrow.
My most heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mrs. Runge. She was a wonderful teacher and a kind and caring person. She will be greatly missed.
Sharon and I were classmates (class of 1960). She was friendly, sweet, and nice to everyone. I will miss her.
So sorry to hear—Sharon was always so kind & caring. It was a pleasure to work with her. Our sincere condolences to Virgil & her family.
I’m sorry to hear this. She was very kind and always spoke to everyone. She was a great teacher.
Prayers to the family
Sharon was such a loving, caring person that showed her faith in her actions. She will be missed by all of us. Our prayers for comfort to Virgil and family.
There are no words to describe the beautiful soul that Sharon was. She touched so many lives through school, church and family with kind words and deeds! Such an inspiration to others!
She was my neighbor many years ago. I loved her parents and sister. Sharon was a beautiful and caring person. She will be missed. My prayers go out to Virgil and her family.
Sorry to hear Sharon passed away, She was a cousin, a friend, gonna missed seeing her. Prayers to Virgil, Jana, Brad and family.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
My prayers to Jana and the entire Runge family. She was one of the best teachers and I have wonderful memories.
So So Sorry For The Families Loss. Sharon Was A Loving Woman Who Was Happy And Very Caring. She Will Definitely Be Missed. Condolences To Her Family And Friends!!!🙏🏼🥰
I’m so sorry,what a kind lady.My children had her as their teacher,she loved her job…God Bless
I’m so very sorry to hear of Mrs Runge’s passing, she was my teacher in grade school and left a lifetime impact on me, we then became neighbors and she loved watching our grandson play, always had a special treat for him..she will be missed!
So very sorry for your loss.
Condolences and prayers to the family
So sorry to hear that Mrs Runge has passed, known her over 45 years, she was a good teacher, and a Coaches Wife,Mr.Runge Coached my Khoury League team for many years, and we remained friends for many years following, Prayers for you all, God Bless you all
Virgil, Brad , Jana and family,
So sorry to hear this! She was an amazing teacher and person. We enjoyed having teaching in the same hallway for many years. She subbed for me when I had surgery and was so meticulous and caring!
We are praying for comfort for all of you. Sincerely, Alan and Paulette Ashbrook
Gary and I are so sorry to hear about Sharon. Virgil and her children, grandchildren, and all of her family have our deepest sympathy.