Mary Nell Rungeling

On November 23, 2025, Mary N. Rungeling (Dyar) of Palm Harbor, Florida joined our Lord and Savior. Mary was 89 years old and was born on October 5, 1936, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Mary came from a large family of relatives and friends in Purvis, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents Isham Telford “Ted” and Ada Viola “Ola” Dyar, as well as her sisters Dorothy Nobles, Peggy Salter, and Carol Pickering. She was also preceded in death by two of her three sons Corey “Lee” Rungeling and John Telford “Ted” Rungeling.

She is survived by her partner of 62 years, Brian Rungeling, a son, Brian Scott Rungeling (Donna), and a sister, Shirley Swan. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Lauren, Leslie, Matthew (Joleigh), Taylor, Allison, as well as five great grandchildren: Brendan, Hayley, Bowen, Dawson, and Camille, as well as nieces and nephews Kathy, Melinda, Denise, Beverly, Vick, Randy, Kevin, Kyle, and their families. Surviving daughters in law are Beverly V. Rungeling, Venus V. Rungeling, and Rebecca Rungeling.

In her early married years, Mary took on the role of a stay-at-home parent dedicating herself to raising her three sons who each received her devoted love. When the children were growing up and in their mid-teens, she spent part of her time on other things she dearly enjoyed including gardening (always making sure something was blooming) and being a fantastic cook. Mary found happiness in cooking meals from scratch for her loved ones. These interests eventually resulted in her becoming a floral arranger (fresh and artificial flowers) and a wholesale rep for various artificial flower manufacturers. In her later years, she continued these activities along with actively loving and enjoying all of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, relatives, and friends. She enjoyed long phone calls, jigsaw puzzles, reading, dabbling in many crafts, and spending time with family, relatives, and friends.

In addition to sharing her love with her family and relatives, she excelled in making friends no matter where she lived during her life- the Smiths in Oxford, MS, the Fernalds and Chambers in Orlando, FL, and J. Reuting and other members of the Condo IV Monday Morning Coffee Club in Palm Harbor, FL.  She excelled in being a compassionate, loving, attentive listener. Her love knew no bounds. Mary had a very special gift for making sure everyone she met felt special. Her home and dinner table were always open for anyone who needed a comforting ear, good conversation, and a delicious meal. Mary left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. Her legacy of love and compassion will be carried on by all of those she impacted.

Unfortunately, Mary had medical issues that could have dampened her enthusiasm and spirit. Despite the physical pain in her life, she remained the loving, doting person and beloved mother and partner in life that we knew. Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

 Visitation will be held at the Moore Funeral Home chapel in Purvis, MS on January 18, 2026, from 1PM to 3PM, followed by a family graveside interment in Coaltown Cemetery, also in Purvis, MS.

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