Deborah Sue Runyan–Nielsen

Deborah Sue Runyan–Nielsen passed away May, 09, 2018 She was born November 23, 1956 to Clarence G and Ella Mae Runyan in Grand Rapids,Michigan. She met her husband Ken Nielsen in St. George, Utah and they were wed February 14,2014. Deborah grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, attended Fountain Elementary and Central High School and excelled at most subjects. She made many friends of both students and faculty and enjoyed her time with all. One of Deborah’s greatest memories was graduating from High School and taking a trip to the Bahamas that she saved for her entire time in High School Deborah was raised in a Lutheran family but by her own personal choice, she was baptized into the Catholic Church and was a faithful believer. Deborah was the 5th child in a family of seven children but somehow she always stood out. When she was a tiny child, her father used to stand her in the palm of his hand and walk around the neighborhood. She never fell, just stood there and smiled while her father chatted with friends and neighbors along the way. When she got a bit older she became an outstanding student, was very active in school, and music and led the way for many Junior Achievement projects. Deborah is survived by her husband Kenneth Eddy Nielsen, her 2 sons Bobby Watkins, of Boise, Idaho and Benny B Watkins of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brothers Michael and Timothy, Sisters Victoria, Terri and Cheryl. She is also survived by the many friends and adopted family that she chose while on her journey. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence G. Runyan and Ella Mae (Penny) Runyan and her eldest brother Richard Lee Runyan , her Grandson Marcus Santiago and her first husband Dwayne Watkins. Deborah chose her own path and also chose people that made her smile, that made her happy, that endeared themselves to her through kindness and good will. She rarely met people she couldn’t connect with somehow. The Family would like to thank the many Drs. And Nurses at Dixie Regional Medical Center for the great care and the tenderness she was shown in her final hours. We would also like to extend a very special Thank You to Christina Santiago for the tender hand she extended to all the friends and family that were able to see Deborah near the end. Christina showed the very kindness that endeared her to Deborah many years ago. At Deborah’s wish, there will be no service. It was her wish that she be cremated and her ashes be spread across the desert southwest on a final motorcycle ride.

Deborah Sue Runyan–Nielsen

November 23, 1956 - May 9, 2018