In Loving
Memory

Heather Lynn Runft

May 19, 1923 – Feb 23, 2016

Heather Lynn Runft, of Louisa, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with her daughter, Betty, and son-in-law, Larry Hopkins, on February 23, 2016 at the age of 92. Heather was preceded in death by her loving husband, US Army, LTC Harold W. Runft, Ret.Heather was born May 19, 1923. She spent most of her years in Queens, New York, which she fondly said that Times Square was her playground. During the time of WWII, Heather enjoyed a very active life working at a roller rink and was a great skater. She lived near the ship yard and became good friends with many sailors who would frequent her parents’ home while at port. Her parents never knew who would join them for dinner and the house was always filled with laughter and late nights listening to nightly news on the radio. She used to tell stories how you couldn’t walk through the living room because game boards and sailors were stretched out enjoying checkers and playing cards. Many of these sailors had girlfriends far away and Heather would help with writing letters for them. Many of who could not write or spell.Eventually, Heather married one of those sailors and gave birth to her daughter, Barbara. These were very hard times and unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last. A single mother at that time had to endure many hardships, but Heather was determined that Barbara would be well taken care of. Heather worked at ironing and mending uniforms, as well as worked in the hospital caring for injured soldiers. She enrolled Barbara in dance and singing lessons which landed her a part on television called TV Star Time. On April 17, 1955, Heather married the man of her dreams. Harold was very active in the Army and Heather took no time adjusting to the military life. She worked in the nursery while stationed in Germany and was required to entertain officers in their homes on a regular basis. Harold’s military service included being stationed in Germany, Turkey, New Jersey and he retired in Arizona. Together they managed to raise three daughters who traveled everywhere with them. When Harold retired, life did not slow down. The couple purchased a motor home and continued to travel throughout the US, before settling in Louisa. Heather is survived by her daughters, Barbara Ellen Davey of Silver Spring, Maryland, Betty Jean Hopkins and her husband, Larry Overton Hopkins, of Louisa, Virginia, and Jen Runft and her husband, Kyle Guartafiero, of Groton, Connecticut, as well as multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held at Macedonia United Methodist Church, Louisa, Virginia on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Macedonia UMC Building Fund, c/o of Faye Stewart, 1124 Holland Creek Road, Louisa, VA 23093.