Barbara Ann Mckenzie

Barbara Ann McKenzie exited life’s stage on August 24, 2024.  Born April 21, 1946 in Wallace, Idaho to Doris and Earl McEachern, she attended Wallace High School, marrying James O. Runyon (†) shortly after graduating high school and the two welcomed a daughter into the world the next year.  The young couple split in 1968, when Barbara (and the baby) moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she worked for Diamond International and was a regular cast member in community theater productions, even earning a local Best Actress Award for her role in Any Wednesday.  In 1971 she and her daughter moved to Quincy, California, where Barbara quickly became an active member of the community, including the Rotary Club and the QWAPS.  Moving to Reno, Nevada in 1975, Barbara initially worked for Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Public Relations, then took her talents to work for the Regional Planning Commission, where she met Dale McKenzie, whom she married in November 1985.  Barbara later joined the City of Reno – City Manager’s Office, where she made a name for herself as a formidable lobbyist for the City of Reno and the Nevada League of Cities, representing the interests of Reno and other smaller cities at the State Legislature.

She was an accomplished horsewoman who also enjoyed singing in the choir at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she and Dale were married.  She was an animal lover, avid gardener, and passionate cook, who donated her time and energy to numerous charitable events and endeavors, including organizing and managing the “Bike MS 150” in Reno, and supporting the Committee to Aid Abused Women.  She was also a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star – Shoshone Chapter.

She loved to travel, making several international trips with Dale to New Zealand, France, Ireland, and Germany or to visit her daughter (serving in the Foreign Service) in her far-flung postings, including Ukraine, Portugal, Turkmenistan, and Barbados.  Her favorite destination, however, was their home in Maui where she loved health walks, whale watching, dining out, entertaining family and friends, and just watching the world go by.

She is survived by her husband Dale; daughter Shannon E. Runyon; step-children: Todd (Cindy) McKenzie and Kira McKenzie; sister Joan Keller with whom she shared close, life-long friendship; nieces and nephew; and grandchildren.  She will be missed for the beautiful person she was – inside and out, her bright eyes, lovely smile, quick wit, and engaging laugh.