May 5, 1937 – April 26, 2025
at the age of 87 years:
Lois Ruth (Whiting) Runge was born May 6, 1937 in New Westminster, British Columbia to Mildred Ruth Round and Henry Wallace Whiting. Lois cherished her childhood memories of summers spent at Boundary Bay with her grandparents and extended family. In her youth, she was widely adventurous, having tried her career hand in a couple of different directions. She joined the Navy, but realized quickly she didn’t have the stomach for it. She tried being a psychiatric nurse, but realized that she had too much heart for it. She decided, instead, she was going to have a dozen children! Together, with her husband, Gerald (1928-2010), she almost achieved that with eight children!
They lived in many places around British Columbia and Alberta; eventually settling in Salmon Arm in the 1990s. Mount Ida Mews is where mom found her last home. Our family gratefully appreciates all the care and compassion given by all the staff.
Mom was loved by everyone who knew her. She had a strength and a resilience deeper than any; a great British dry wit and a gentle teasing nature that remained bright all her days.
She will be remembered and missed by her eight children, their spouses… And all their children and their childrens’ children and their children! The numbers just keep growing!
Mom loved to quietly spend time with others, watching old reruns of Gunsmoke, Bonanza and game shows! Together, we regularly flipped through her photo albums as she loved to reminisce. She was always listening to music, playing games, doing puzzles & various crafts and her passion… Bingo! Mom loved to go for walks in the park to see the ducks and the turtles and any dog that would let her love it! Not to mention her unrequited love of red convertibles!
Our family will have a private celebration of mom’s life at a later date to remember, honour and love together. Mom lived with both multiple sclerosis and heart disease; if you wish to make a donation in her memory both these organizations and all who live with these diagnoses would benefit.
Love you soooo much Grandma! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!……luv from your grandson Kenny