Runnings, Doretha (Dee) Ann

Doretha (Dee) Ann Runnings - age: 88
(November 07, 1927 to November 08, 2015 )
Resident of Potter Valley, California

Obituary:
Doretha Ann (Dee) Runnings

November 7, 1927 – November 8, 2015

Dee passed away on November 8 in Cloverdale, California, the day after her 88th birthday. Born in Ogden, Utah, she moved to the Bay Area at a young age. After High School, she married a tall, handsome cowboy, Robert (Bob) Runnings. Soon after, they welcomed daughter Marti to the family. Bob worked for Tidewater Oil which required them to move frequently. Each place they landed, Dee always held a good job and enjoyed working. They finally settled in Potter Valley, California in 1965 purchasing their dream ranch on 40 acres. Shortly after moving north, she and Bob took a big leap into partnership with close friends Bill and Karen Crawford on a western store. The Tack Room soon became the place to purchase quality western wear and specialty, handmade tack. A staple in Ukiah, California for nearly four decades, when similar western style stores were coming and going, The Tack Room became a beacon in western wear. Residents from Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties regular made the trip to see Dee and purchase high-end tack, saddles, boots and all things western. Dee was a savvy businesswomen and took great pride in her store. Many of her customers became lifelong friends and employees became family. It was bittersweet for Dee when The Tack Room doors finally closed for the last time in 2008. Dee was a mere 80 years young. In addition to the business, she enjoyed raising champion Quarter Horses and watching her family compete and win in western performance horse events. With movie star looks and a vivacious personality, Dee loved to listen to good music and dance with Bob. She enjoyed reading historical books, debating politics, playing Jeopardy and staying up late to watch the day’s news. She cherished her small family and was the glue that held them tight. Bob passed away in 2010. Dee spent her final years under the care of Cloverdale Healthcare Center. A special “thank you” to the loving staff. She leaves her daughter Marti Runnings Fonsen, son-in-law Stan Fonsen, grandson Brian Fonsen, granddaughter Katie Fonsen Young, her husband Brent Young and great granddaughter Lucy Dee Young. Dee spent her 88th birthday and her last day with family, meeting her 8 day old great granddaughter, Lucy, on a beautiful sunny day – trading one angel for another. A celebration of life will be held at the family ranch next spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dee's name to The Living Room Center, 636 Cherry Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.