Mary Jane "Jane" (Stoimenoff) Runels

Mary Jane (Stoimenoff) Runels, 62, a lifelong Battle Creek, Michigan resident, died at home with her family at her side on Thursday, January 29, 2015, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Jane was born May 1, 1952 in Battle Creek to Karl and Elizabeth J. (Breitenbach) Stoimenoff. She grew up in Battle Creek, was a 12 year student at St. Philip Catholic Schools, graduating in 1970. Jane earned an Associate Degree in Elementary Education in 1972 from Kellogg Community College. She was employed as a claims examiner at Peoples Home Life Insurance in Battle Creek 1973 -1978; and later as a Preschool Teacher at Woodlawn Preschool 1986-2010.

Mary Jane Stoimenoff married Thomas L. Runels on November 10, 1972, in Battle Creek. Surviving are her husband, Tom; children, Jeffrey (Heidi Ott) Runels of Niles, MI; and Karly (Ben) Runels-Way of Canton, MI; grandchildren, Lauren and Evan; and siblings, Karol (Jack) Lahaie of Brighton, MI, Richard (Joyce Wofford) Stoimenoff of Seattle, WA, David (Jim Germann) Stoimenoff of Gastonia, NC, Mark (Laurel Crosby) Stoimenoff of Chandler, AZ, and Steve (Gail Durant) Stoimenoff of Schoolcraft, MI;. Jane was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Donald S. Stoimenoff.

Jane's first love and true calling was working with young children. She enjoyed a special connection with children during her many years at Woodlawn Preschool then later as an aide in the Lakeview Elementary Schools. Jane enjoyed ballroom dancing and was very interested in gardening, having participated in a master gardening program. She will be remembered as a deeply devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and treasured friend to many.

Friends will be received by Jane's family 2:00 -3:00 p.m. Monday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at the funeral home 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2015.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jane may be made to a charity of one's choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.