Helen C Runninger

She was born in Cedartown, Georgia April 11, 1932 to the late Aubrey L. and Margaret K. Hayes. She grew up in Savannah Georgia and attended the University of Georgia. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Lucius M Cobb, her second husband Dr. Jack Runninger, and her brother Aubrey L. Hayes Jr.

Moving to Rome in 1954, Helen later began her career working with children and adults with developmental disabilities in Floyd County. To honor her tenure, a therapy garden was built and named after Helen. One of her proudest moments came when she was named older worker of the year for Northwest Georgia

She was a member of First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for 40 years; she was a member of Spade and Trowel Garden Club, Rome Jr. Service League, Xavier Chapter NSDAR, Rome Music Lovers, and Friends of Library. Her passion was reading, gardening, playing the piano, singing, and spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Helen was beloved by those who knew her. From the clients at Network to the local bank teller, she always effused warmth, care, and joy in her interactions with others. She lived her faith and saw the world, even its toughest parts, with a compassionate heart.

That said, Helen, like her beloved grandmother Mur, “wore her halo at an angle.” She had a fine sense of humor, loved to laugh, and sharpened her wry wit all the more in the wisdom of older age. She will be deeply missed, and her memory kept alive by all who love her.

Helen is survived by four children Kendall Cobb Clotfelter (Charles Sr), Luke Cobb III, Catherine Cobb Ledbetter (Woody), and Tom Cobb (Dot). She is survived by 6 grandchildren Emily Sweitzer (Wesley), Julia K Brock (James Brooks), Elizabeth Babb (Will), Sarah Ellis Lemons (Pete), Kristin Hunter (Stephen) and Preston Cobb. Her surviving great grandchildren are Benjamin and Mary Helen Sweitzer, Phoebe and Luke Babb, Lexi Moore and Eli Lemons, Hayes and Hayden Hunter. She is also survived by several cousins and nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to express gratitude for the wonderful care Helen received from The Arbor at Bridgemill and Amedisys Hospice.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Daniels Funeral Home, 901 E 2nd Ave, in Rome. The family will receive friends at 12:30 pm before the service. A private Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to First United Methodist Church, 202 E 3rd Avenue, Rome, GA. 30161.

We at Daniel’s Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Mrs. Helen C. Runninger.