Frances Runyon Warner, 96, of Hayesville passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 at her residence. She was a native of Williamson, West Virginia, but lived in Lake Worth, Florida before moving to Clay County in 1982. As the wife of Lt. Col. James B. Warner, she lived throughout the country as well as Germany and France for several years.

Fran was a needle point artist, enjoyed painting canvas, gardening, and raising orchids.

She was a member of the Hayesville First United Methodist Church, where she was a dedicated choir member for decades.

She was the daughter of the late Dewey Lawson and Artie Pinson Runyon and the wife of the late Lt. Col. James B. Warner, who died February 15, 2011. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Runyon Osborne.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna E. Keil and husband, Dennis of Louisville, Nebraska; a son, James B. “Rusty” Warner Jr. and wife, Margaret of Lincoln, Nebraska; two brothers, Donald L. Runyon and wife, Shirley of Easley, South Carolina and James D. Runyon and wife, Barbara of Clintwood, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in the Hayesville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kirk Hatherly officiating. A private interment was in the church cemetery.

The family received friends from 10-10:50 Tuesday morning at the Hayesville First United Methodist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Frances Runyon Warner to the Hayesville First United Methodist Church Choir, PO Box 85, Hayesville, NC 28904 or the Clay County EMS, c/o Clay County Finance Office, PO Box 118, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.