Lena Runns

It is with great sorrow that we lay to rest our matriarch, mother, sister, auntie, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma, Lena Runns. Lena was born on August 3, 1930 in Fort Qu’Appelle. Her Indian name was walks with pride (Agísas Omani)

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and step-dad Stanley Saulteaux; husband Fred Runns Sr.; siblings: Rose, Ethel, Ronald, Doris, Yvonne and special sister Juanita; children: Freda, Christine, Christopher and Shelley; grandchildren: Markie, Stacy, Gabriella, Marty, Bradley (Leslie), Jennifer and Johnny; and great-grandchildren Juliette, Marley and Adeya.

Lena is survived by her children: Jeanette (Ross), Germaine (Roddy), Trudy, Fred (Lorraine), Alvin (Karen), Rachel, Brent Sr., Randall (Evalda), Nora (Cary), Roxanne (Cliff), Greg (Stenella), Patrick (Brigette), Grant (Amy), Wendell (Tracy), Delores (Neil), Craig (Tiffany), Andrea, Brent Jr. (Erica), adopted daughters Norma Shorty and Beth Kelly; as well as 70 grandchildren, 171+ great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

She met her husband at the age of 16 years and soon became his wife. They travelled and lived in various parts of Canada while he was in the army, before they settled on Carry the Kettle. As a fluent Michif speaker, she also learned and understood Nakoda. They were avid ballroom dancers when they met. She also loved to help others, so much that she had a career as a care aide in Montmarte and Wolseley. She served on various committees and advisory boards in the community. She always welcomed guests to her home, making sure they were fed, making fresh bannock and ensuring her guests had a warm place to stay. She raised her kids almost by herself, as her husband was in the war. She will be remembered as a strong matriarch and as a devoted Christian. She enjoyed reading her bible and listening to her gospel music. She will be lovingly remembered by all that had the pleasure to know her during her 94 years on this earth.

The wake will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in the Carry The Kettle Community Complex. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Carry The Kettle Community Complex with officiants Bernard (Hoss) Jack and Joanne Jack. The interment will take place in the South Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be:

Brad Runns Jr., Lucas Delorme, Brayden Runns, Lucas Lerat, Dwayne Thomson, and Gregory Runns Jr.