Alma (Nan) Rundio

When reflecting on the life of Alma “Nan” Rundio, it is easy to see that she was the heartbeat of wherever she went. She was unique, extraordinary, and even stubborn at times with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Nan was a nurturing and caring mother who lived to love and care for her loved ones. Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, she was a humble woman whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in her children and grandchildren. Alma leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in WWII. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods like rubber, paper, sugar, and coffee while manufacturing was focused on supporting the war effort. It was during this eventful time that Spencer and Rena (Smith) Crawford were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Alma on September 4, 1944, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born two months early, she was under five pounds when she was born. For this reason, Alma’s mother needed help to care for her. Between Alma’s grandmother who was a midwife and her aunt who was an aide, Alma was well taken care of.

Raised in the family home in Decatur, Alma was a typical young girl of her generation. She was a bit mischievous, too. In fact, she and her friend, were thrown in jail when she was just six years old as they were caught stealing pickles from the local pickle factory. Interestingly, this did not deter Alma from her lifelong love of pickles! Although she was raised in the church, Alma always seemed to walk to the beat of a different drummer and live by her own rules. As a teen she was caught smoking, and for her punishment she was forced to smoke an entire pack of cigarettes. This didn’t keep Nan from smoking as she continued smoking as an adult. She attended local schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1962. Soon after, Alma took a job as an aide at the State Hospital.

Working in the healthcare industry was a great fit for Alma as she was a caring person by nature. While living in Indiana she graduated from IUPUI with a BSN in 1984. She went on to work at the VA Hospital in Battle Creek for many years. Nan was proud of being a nurse and loved working with the vets, specifically in the acute psych department and helping those with PTSD. Her carefree spirit was a perfect match for the veterans. While working there Alma gave up smoking, cold turkey. Then, she led support groups at the VA for those wanting to quit as well. Nan retired in 2008.

There was never anything of greater importance in Alma’s life than her loved ones. She married Clayton Rundio on April 20, 1968, and together they enjoyed 17 years of marriage. Nan was filled with great joy to become a mother to two daughters. She was a nurturing and caring mother who did whatever she could to make her children happy. A gifted seamstress, Alma’s girls always felt so special to wear her homemade prom dress or baton outfit. Later on, she was so thrilled to become a grandmother, and she was an active part of her grandchildren's lives. In 2002, Nan was excited to reconnect with the daughter she had given up for adoption after birth. Family reunions were something she always looked forward to. In addition to her family, Alma adored her friends. With her warm and kindhearted spirit she made friends with ease, and a friend of hers was a friend for life.

Throughout her life Nan was one to keep busy and a woman of many interests. In addition to sewing, she enjoyed crocheting. Nan also enjoyed reading, usually a Harlequin romance novel. She liked cooking and was known to be a fierce competitor in a game of cards or Triominos. As an avid Elvis fan, Alma made a trip to Graceland.

In 2008, Alma was deeply saddened with the death of her mother as they were very close. Shortly thereafter, her own health started to decline. In the years that followed, Nan faced numerous operations and illnesses. At Thanksgiving time in 2017, she was hospitalized and later moved to a skilled nursing facility in Howell but was later transferred to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti for care. In true fashion, Alma broke the rules by beating the odds and living until the 19th of June.

Through her free spirit, her gentle touch, and her compassionate heart, Alma “Nan” Rundio touched so many others in such a special way. She might not have been the best at being patient, but she taught her daughters to be patient and to love others without condition. Nan had the best sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh with her practical jokes. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Alma (Nan) Anna B. Rundio (Crawford) passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Nan’s family includes her three daughters, Wendy Craft (Evan Echenthal), Renee (Mark) Dudek, and Michelle Lyon; four grandsons: Kyle and Jacob Lyon, Jacob and Tyler Echenthal; her half-sister, Gloria (Paul) Reynolds; Louie, her beloved Boston Terrier; and Puff Puff, her kitty. Nan was preceded in death by her mother, Rena (Smith) Crawford; father, Spencer Crawford; and her half-brother, Bud Crawford. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Visit with family and friends on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at The Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home at 60900 M-40, Paw Paw, MI. Funeral services will be held Saturday 11 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Alma's personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com.