Carmela Runnels

Carmela Runnels Obit

A woman who didnt just have a normal existence but defined abundant living, that was Carmela whether through her generosity, being a friend, a painter, a traveler, HR, or being a Mother, Carmela, could bring the compassion, sincerity, and vibrancy to all she did. She knew life was beautiful. She didnt care about political parties or what religion you worshiped, if you were a person with a good heart, personality, and loved live music you were her friend too. She was involved in United Way, Relay for Life and Faith in Action.
Carmela was born in Kentucky on January 13, 1964 to LT. Col. Hal Warren Downey, deceased, and Nelva Carmen Downey of Hobbs, NM, and spent most of her adolescence in the Republic of Panama then in her early adult life in Las Cruces, NM., and settled in Hobbs, NM. In Hobbs she grew an extended family Shelly Martin of San Antonio, Brandy Reid, Christi Smith, Kenna Cooper , Mechelle Radcliff, Cyndi Seymore, all of Hobbs, Teresa Bullock of Seminole, Sheila Parker, Twilla Thomason , both of Hobbs, and so many others that really became her sisters over the years. Carmela had two children, which she tested daily to become better people and to make choices that are sincere because she knew they could impact their whole life Megan Runnels, age 17, and Ryan Stevens age 29, married to Stephanie Stevens, and grandchild Tristan Stevens , age 10 months. She also had a sister, Belinda Herrera of Miami, Florida.
On September 28, 2013 in the early hours of the morning, Carmela said goodbye to her friends and family to be with her father and to take care of her other grandchild, Xavier DanielDonavan Runnels, son to Megan. She had been battling kidney cancer. Her smile stretched across borders and will still be present as she will continue to live in the memories of her friends and the love of her family.
A gathering will be held at the Chapel of Hope on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 68 p.m. In lieu of a funeral, October 19, 2013 a Well See You party will be held at 8300 N LaMesa residence, behind EnSueno Bed Breakfast. Please do not send flowers, but plants are more than welcome or donate to the Light of Lea Coompany. To those who wish to attend the Well see you again party please wear either Orange Kidney Cancer or purple her favorite color to honor her impact on our lives.

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