Susan Brooke Toy Runyan

November 30, 1960 - August 8, 2024

Susan Brooke Toy Runyan was born on November 30, 1960, and died on August 8, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born to William Minor Toy III and Janet Ann Posey Toy in Springfield, Ohio. She was a 1979 graduate of Springfield North High School.

Susan was a graduate of The Ohio State University, where she was a proud member of The Ohio State University Marching Band, (The Best Damn Band in the Land) from 1981 to 1983. She was president of her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha. Susan graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 1984, she began her nearly 40-year nursing career at Mount Carmel East Hospital.

Susan married John Runyan, of Catawba, Ohio on October 17, 1987. Susan and John met at Ohio State where they were both members of Ohio State’s military basketball band. They have resided in Pickerington, Ohio since 1990, where they raised their children Ross William and Brooke Elizabeth. Susan was a devoted mother and volunteered countless hours to Pickerington Central High Schools music and drama departments. She was an active member and medical volunteer at her church, Peace United Methodist in Pickerington.

Susan never met a stranger and will be remembered by everyone she met for her endless generosity, hospitality and kind heart. She was an avid swimmer, seamstress and reader who loved being outdoors and poolside. Susan loved her beach vacations and was a frequent visitor to North Carolinas Outer Banks and coastal beaches. Her greatest joy was participating in the TBDBITL alumni band traditional Ramp Entrance and Script Ohio just one more time.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law Mary Runyan. She is survived by her devoted husband, John, her son and daughter-in-law Ross and Katie (DeVelin) and her daughter Brooke, as well as her sister and brother-in-law Nancy Toy and Carl Sauer, sister Marilyn Toy and father-in-law William Runyan. She is survived by siblings-in-law Pamela and Randy Croson, and James and Yong Runyan. Additional survivors include: nieces and nephews William Sauer and Taylor Rose, Trilby and Christopher (CJ) Newton, Sophie Sauer, Benjamin and Amanda Croson, Candace Croson, Ronald and Whitney Runyan and Grace Runyan, great nieces and nephews Levi Little, Kylie and Grant Croson, Max and Madeline Runyan, Ellie and William Legg, Arlen Newton and Layla Little. She is also survived by many cousins and countless beloved friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mount Gilead High School band boosters, MG Music Boosters, Inc. 338 Park Ave. Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338, where her son Ross is the band director, or a deserving local schools band program or any charity of your choice in honor of Susan’s memory.

Until we meet again, may God grant you peace, love and joy. How firm thy friendship, O-H! I-O! Go Bucks! Family and friends may visit 5-8:00pm on Friday, August 16, at Peace United Methodist Church, 235 Diley Rd, Pickerington, Ohio 43147. Interment at 10:00am on Saturday, August 17, at Vernon Asbury Cemetery, 8051 Jones Rd, South Vienna, Ohio 45369. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Bill Lyle will follow at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 17, at Peace United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be found at spencefuneralhome.com.

Susan was a member of the marching band from 1981 through 1983. She played Alto Horn in E-Row.