Bill Runyan

Bill Runyan, 77, of House, New Mexico, changed his permanent address to Heaven on September 30, 2026. He was born June 12, 1949, in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, rancher, farmer, teacher, mentor, and, above all, a faithful servant of God. He was a man of deep integrity, strength, and genuine humor. His Christian faith was at the center of his life. It wasn't simply something he talked about—it was something he lived every day in the way he loved his family, served his church and community, worked the land, and cared for the people God placed in his life.

Bill graduated from House High School before attending New Mexico State University, where he was a high-point member of the NMSU Livestock Judging Team. He had a natural gift for working with livestock and an even greater gift for sharing what he knew with others. His knowledge of agriculture, his love of the land, and his willingness to teach would become defining parts of his life.

Bill began his career as an agriculture teacher in Grady, New Mexico, where he shared his knowledge and passion for agriculture with his students. He later served as the Curry County 4-H Agent, continuing his work with young people and families. Eventually, he returned to what he considered his true calling—ranching and farming. He understood that ranching wasn't always easy, but he also understood the satisfaction that came from a hard day's work and doing something you loved.

Bill was a true cowboy. You could never catch him without his boots and wranglers, ready to head out to the ranch, ball game or rodeo, check the cows, or help someone who needed him. Those boots were more than something he wore—they seemed to be part of who he was. He was a working man who took pride in doing things right, keeping his word, and taking care of what had been entrusted to him.

He was also an internal optimist. No matter how long the drought lasted or how difficult the circumstances became, Bill had a way of looking toward tomorrow with hope. When others might have focused on how long it had been since the last rain, Bill would simply say, "We're one day closer to rain." That was Bill—steady, hopeful, and unwavering in his faith that God would provide.

And Bill had a wonderful sense of humor with a robust laugh that made him easy to find in a crowd. His humor, combined with his straightforward nature and integrity, made him someone people trusted and enjoyed being around. He didn't have to be the center of attention to make an impression.

His faith was woven into every part of his life. Bill was a longtime member of House Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He loved studying Scripture and sharing what he had learned with others. He encouraged people in their faith, welcomed people into his church family, and tried to live out the words he believed. For Bill, faith meant more than attending church on Sunday. It meant serving, forgiving, helping, encouraging, and being there when someone needed him.

Bill had a servant's heart. He gave his time generously to his community, serving on the Quay County Fair Board, the Soil Conservation Board, and the House Co-op Board. He volunteered with the House and Jordan Fire Departments and had a stint as Fire Chief. Whether he was answering a fire call, helping a neighbor, serving at church, working with a young person, or simply lending a hand.

But perhaps one of Bill's greatest gifts was his ability to invest in young people. It was rare to find Bill on the ranch without a kid alongside him. There was usually a grandchild, a neighbor kid, a nephew/niece, or one of the many "stray kids" who somehow found their way to the ranch. Bill had a way of making room for them. He didn't need a formal classroom to be a teacher. The ranch was his classroom, and the lessons were often taught while working side by side.

He taught kids how to work with livestock, how to farm, the business of ranching, and how to work hard. But the lessons went much deeper than that. He taught responsibility. He taught perseverance. He taught them to take pride in a job well done. He taught them by example what it meant to show up, help others, and keep your word. And, perhaps most importantly, he showed them how to be a Godly leader. Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Denese (Moon) Runyan. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, hard work, agriculture, and service. Their home and ranch became places where family, friends, and young people were welcomed and where there was room for one more.

He is survived by wife, Denese; daughter, Jacque Carter and husband, Kyle; son, Clint Runyan and wife, Heather; and grandchildren, Koby and Dylan Valentine, and Treyson and Colten Runyan. He is also survived by brother, Bryan Runyan and wife, Linda; sister, Marsha Stowe and husband, Terry; sister in law Lisa Runyan; sisters-in-law Pam Moon and husband Hector Terrazas, Connie Moon, brother in law Clyde Moon and wife Rachelle, numerous cousins; and many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him Grandpa or UB.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mayme and Bruce Runyan; his sister, Patricia; and his brothers, Don and Mark, and niece Laure Hommel. Bill's life was not defined simply by the things he accomplished, the positions he held, or the work he completed. His greatest accomplishments were found in the people he loved, the young lives he influenced, the faith he shared.

He leaves behind grandchildren who will remember their Grandpa, kids who will remember the man who let them tag along, students who learned from him, church members who were encouraged by him, neighbors who knew they could count on him, and a community that was better because he planted roots here.

Bill will be deeply missed. There will be an empty place at the table, an empty spot in the pickup, and a quietness around the ranch that will be difficult to put into words. There will be moments when his family will wish they could hear his voice, ask his advice, share a laugh, a card game, or simply have him nearby.

His family finds comfort in the faith Bill lived by and the hope he shared with others. He spent his life pointing people toward God, and now he has gone home to the Heaven he believed in so faithfully.

Bill's legacy will live on—in his family, in the young people he poured himself into, in the community he served, in the church he loved, and in every life touched by his kindness, integrity, humor, wisdom, hard work, optimism, and faith.

And perhaps when the next drought comes, someone will remember Bill's words: "We're one day closer to rain."

He lived a life of faith, family, service, hard work, humor, and love. And he lived it well.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to The Bethel Orphanage in Jaurez, Mexico. Donations can be sent to House Baptist Church, PO Box 697, House, New Mexico 88121.

Viewing will be held from 1 pm to 6 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Chavez Funeral Home. A family burial will take place at the Browning Cemetery October 10, 2026 at 9:30 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday October 10, 2026 at the House High School Gymnasium. The family requests you join them for visiting and catered barbeque after the service in the “Fellowship Hall” at the House Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.