Bessie Juanita Runnels, age 100, died Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Miner Nursing Center. She was born June 8, 1915 in Ellis Grove, Illinois to the late William and Lou Ethel (Hughes) Leavitt. She graduated Sparta Township High School in Illinois in 1934,and was capped from St. Luke's School of Nursing in St. Louis in 1945. She was a charter member of Temple Baptist Church and had taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She had worked as a live-in nanny and was also a homemaker. On June 21, 1947 she was married to Nafis Runnels in Chester, IL and he preceded her in death Dec. 15, 1993. In addition to her husband and parents she was also preceded in death by 1 brother, Ivan Leavitt and by one daughter-in-law, Angela Runnels. Survivors include 1 son, Wesley Runnels of Sikeston; and 1 daughter and son-in-law, Wilda and Caroll Beaird of Sikeston. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Blanchard Funeral Chapel from 11:00 am until time for services at 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 23. Rev. Dewayne Coleman, pastor of Canalou Baptist Church will officiate and burial will follow at Matthews Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lindell Runnels, Caroll Beaird, Brad Fortner, David Beaird, Brandon Beaird and Bill Allen. The family requests memorial contributions be made in her honor to the Baptist Children's Home c/o Miner Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com.