Obituary - Hazel Anne Runion

Hazel Anne Runion, 78, of Henrico, VA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 3 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Hope. She is preceded into heaven by her parents, Rev. Leslie Riherd, Sr. and Cleo Krapf Riherd; and brother, Dr. Leslie Riherd, Jr. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Dr. Donald Runion; sons, Jason Runion (Jacqueline) and David Runion (Crystal); grandchildren, Caitlin Childers (Chase), Sandi Frank, Chloe Childers, and Jaymz Frank; great-grandchild, Caiden; brother, Robert Riherd (Tracy); sister-in-law, Mary Alice Riherd; her loving canine companion, Bodi; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, who are all mourning her passing. Born in Lepanto, AR, Hazel went on to receive her degree from Baylor University in Waco, TX, where she also met Don, the love of her life. She relished her role as a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where she gave enduring support to her husband, as well as being a soloist in the choir, writing and directing passion plays, and teaching the congregation during Sunday school. She enjoyed travel, among her favorite vacations were the cruises she took with friends and family to many destinations around the globe. She collected antique Wedgewood, themed Christmas decorations, and teddy bears. Hazel had a flair for the artistic, and produced many paintings, works of stained glass, and crewel embroidery. She loved roses, cultivating as many as 75 at a time. Hazel shared an interest with her husband for dog breeding and care, where they specialized in German Shepherds. For many years, she and her partner, Diane Morrison, led ’25 Beads’, a business that bought and sold beads made into jewelry. Hazel was truly an amazing and talented woman, and will be greatly missed by the Mount Vernon Baptist Church community. A gathering of family and friends will take place 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Road, in Glen Allen. A Celebration of her life will follow there 11 a.m., Friday, October 6, 2023. Private entombment in Mount Vernon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 11220 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059.