Alta Pauline Runnels, 97, of Fleming, passed away July 20, 2012, in Haxtun. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 23, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Michael Young officiating. Interment will be at Brush Memorial Cemetery in Brush.

Alta was born April 19, 1915, in Burwell, Neb., to William and Alta (Fickle) Bellis.

On July 23, 1961, she married Earl L. Runnels at North Platte, Neb.

Since 1961, Alta has lived in Sterling and surrounding areas, and at Fleming since the early 1980s.

Alta was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and Royal Neighbors. She enjoyed her church and helping and caring for other people. She also enjoyed crocheting and different handiwork.

Alta is survived by her husband, Earl Runnels of Fleming; four grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Donna Evans Gunn; and grandson; brother, Edwin Bellis; and sister, Euphemia Byroth.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.