The family of Marcia F. Runkel of Martins Ferry, OH announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew her best.
Marcia held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
A life of faith is rarely a life of certainty — but always one of trust.
Marcia (Fornari) Runkel, 84, of Martins Ferry passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Shadyside Nursing Care Center. She was born on March 7, 1942, in Steubenville, the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Gryskevich) Fornari.
Marcia was a retired nurse working 30 years as the school nurse for St. Mary Central Grade School in Martins Ferry. She was member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Colerain and was a member of the Catholic Women's Club. Marcia was a devoted wife of James Runkel for 55 years, sharing a deep and abiding love that was the foundation of their family. Her many activities included, shopping, cooking, and watching sports, especially the former St. John Central Fighting Irish.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 2019, sister, Donna McConnell, and brother, Dr. Gabriel Fornari.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kristin (Jay) Wilson and Joseph (Kimberly) Runkel; grandchildren, Josh, Gregory, and Nicholas Wilson, and Emma Runkel, sister, JoEllen (Walt) Rappold, and sister-in-law, Diane Fornari.
Family and friends will be received Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd., Bridgeport, OH 43912. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11 am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Colerain with Fr. John Mucha officiating. Inurnment will be at the convenience of the family at Holly Memorial Garden Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to St. Mary Central Grade School, 24 N. Fourth St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935.
To leave online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marcia F. (Fornari) Runkel, please visit our floral store.
