Eminent Homemaker
County: Bennett
Redella Runner, Martin, has earned the reputation of a "doer," both in her family and the community.
She has spent her life pursuing four standards: doing everything to the best of her ability, being involved, giving of herself and thinking positively.
She taught school for five years before her marriage to Richard in 1934. Since that time, she has focused on volunteerism and service to others.
A 12-year volunteer 4-H leader of the Jolly Junior and Merry Maids clubs, she was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award in 1968 and again in 1984. She served as the county 4-H demonstration leader for 15 years and still helps 4-H members with public speaking, illustrated talks and demonstrations. The Better Homes Extension Club awarded Redella a 50-year membership certificate in 1985. She was president of the Bennett County Extension Homemakers Council for two three-year terms. She has served her club in all offices and is the state public relations project chairman and county family resource management project leader. She has also taken leadership in the safety, citizenship and health projects.
Of these activities, Runner placed the most emphasis on safety. She was a member of the South Dakota Association of Women Safety Leaders and attended several Governor's Safety conferences while it was active. Runner, who was county safety leader for 10 years, conducted a bicycle safety program in 1982 and helped the law enforcement department develop the "Mission Catch" program.
In addition, she organized the Bennett County Teen Safety Council in 1969 and the Neighborhood Watch program in 1984. She serves on election boards, helps with senior citizen activities and volunteers her time at the local nursing home. She has served her United Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. She is president of the Bennett County chapter of the South Dakota Retired Teacher's Association and a member of Eastern Star.
All this "doing" has its rewards. She received the Teen Safety Council Award for leadership in 1973, was named Outstanding Homemaker in 1970 and led the South Dakota Extension Homemakers Council to three first place national safety awards.
Runner and her husband, Richard, who died in 1983, have one daughter, Cheryl Shuck, who lives in Spearfish.