Edith Kay Runels

Edith Kay Runels Obituary

Edith Kay Runels was born in Santa Maria on November 14,1938. She departed from this world into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on November 6, 2025, just 8 days short of her 87th birthday.

She attended the local schools and while attending Arroyo Grande High School she met the love of her life, Thomas A Runels. They married in 1959 and was happily married for 52 years before Tom’s death in 2011.

Edith was very passionate about things that matter to her. After high school she attended Cal Poly and took horticultural classes to improve her skills to become a florist. For several years she operated a flower shop known as the Arrangement Shoppe out of the family home. She also did flowers for numerous weddings and other events. She was quite talented not just with flowers but with the ability to create something simple into an amazing masterpiece.

When the kids were at the age to participate in various sports, her time and passion shifted to the involvement of sports organizations. She was always willing to help wherever the need arose. She also was a coach for various teams and even coached one of my brother’s baseball teams, which back then women didn’t coach boys. But, if you knew my mom, that didn’t stop her.

She was very proud of her children and had no problem expressing her enthusiasm at the various sporting events which all the other spectators could hear. Her ultimate claim to fame came when her two sons played football at Arroyo Grande High School between 1979 – 1984; she would bring her “cow bell” to the football games. She would ring that bell so much that she had plenty of space around her. The radio announcers Don Roberts and Jim McGillis would even joke that Edith Runels was in the house and had plenty of seating around her. If she could have, she would have brought the “cow bell” into the gymnasium but you must draw the line somewhere.

Edith was a great supporter of Arroyo Grande High School sports programs and for many years hosted the varsity team football meals prior to the home games when her sons played. She loved opening her home and cooking for the team. She started that tradition and I’m being told that most of the sports programs at the high school today continue to gather for a meal before home games. I know that would make her smile.

Edith’s enthusiasm and support didn’t stop with her children but carried on with the grandchildren. She loved travelling to watch the grandkids do their various sports from karate, soccer, basketball, football, and baseball. To say she was their biggest fan would be an understatement. What wonderful memories.

Edith lived a wonderful life and as she grew older, her passion turned to having a personal relationship with the Lord. She loved her church family at New Beginnings Community Church of the Nazarene in Nipomo. She realized that all is for not unless you have repented your sins and have asked Jesus Christ into your heart. Till the last breath she took, the joy of the Lord was in her heart.

Edith is survived by her three children: Lance Runels (Andrea), Rodney Runels, Laurel Maas (Ken); three granddaughters: Lesley (Max), Hailee and Peyton and three grandsons: Nathaniel (Kate), Trenton (Claira) and Trevor (Viviana); seven great-grandchildren: three great-granddaughters: Jubilee, Khoralee, Gwenevere and four great-grandsons: Gannon, Barnabas, Oren, and David.

Edith was proceeded in death by parents Willis and Bertha McCullough, brother Richard McCullough, and husband Thomas of 52 years.

Her life leaves a legacy of love in the lives of all she touched. Thank you to all the family and friends that kept Edith in your prayers. They were greatly appreciated!

We are very thankful for the doctors that through the years supported her: Dr. Fitchmun and Dr. Harrison – Cardiologist. Also, we would like to give our thanks to Arroyo Grande Hospital and Acute Center for providing such wonderful care. To the Arroyo Grande Care Center words can’t express the appreciation that you showed my mom at the end of her life. Every single person that encountered her showed love and compassion beyond the usual standards. For that I will very be eternally grateful!!!

Celebration of Life

Saturday
December 13, 2025
11:30 AM
Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel
1239 Longbranch Ave.
Grover Beach, CA 93433

Edith loved bright colors so if you feel led, please dress brightly in honor of her.

Reception immediately following the service

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edith Kay Runels, please visit our floral store.